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The European patent system provides companies with an efficient structure for protecting inventions in Europe. However, there are a number of crucial points to consider if they are to make the best use of the system.
A recent report by EUIPO on the risks and damages posed by IP infringement in Europe has identified that nearly one in 10 European consumers believe they have been tricked into buying counterfeit goods online.
Finally, some good news for the Unitary Patent. Germany's Federal Constitutional Court has rejected the two applications for a preliminary injunction against the German Act of Approval to the Unified Patent Court Agreement. The decisions mark a key step forward for the Unitary Patent, says Robert Balsters.
The proposed Unitary Patent system promised a simpler and more cost-effective route to patent protection in and across the EU member states; however, its route to implementation remains far from certain. We set out the answers to some frequently asked questions.
Brand value is a key driver of merger and acquisition (M&A) activity, reflecting the growing importance of intangible assets. However, getting IP portfolios M&A ready requires in-depth, proactive work that many fail to carry out, potentially causing serious issues further down the line.
As the requirement to submit proof of use at the USPTO is different to practices in Europe, it can cause problems for brand owners looking to protect their trademarks in the important US market. Marianne Tissot and Marion Mercadier explain when evidence of use is required, and set out best practices for obtaining protection for trademarks in the US.
In the second of our articles focusing on brand protection on online marketplaces, Markus Rouvinen explains how the forthcoming Digital Services Act offers both opportunities and risks for brand owners seeking to protect their IP online.
To date, new Guidelines for Examination have been published by the European Patent Office (EPO) almost every November like premier wines. But, with 2020-2021 not a year like any other, the new guidelines were instead published in February, entering into force on 1 March. Sylvain Chaffraix sets out the changes.
The growth of e-commerce during the COVID-19 pandemic has placed the IP spotlight once again on brand protection on online marketplaces. Markus Rouvinen sets out how recent case law may offer new routes for brand owners to protect their rights on these platforms.
The Madrid System for the international registration of trademarks allows brand owners to apply and maintain protection in 124 countries via one single procedure, in one language and one set of fees. However, levels of protection can vary and the process is not without its shortfalls.
In response to a 2019 CJEU decision on collective marks, INTA has filed an amicus brief before EUIPO’s Grand Board of Appeal to set out its views on genuine use. Doddy Wolfs explains what the ruling and INTA’s submission could mean for owners of collective marks.
Get your IP strategy off to a great start in 2021 by beginning the year with a review of your portfolio. A thorough audit of your IP now could help you to identify ways to streamline and exploit your portfolio ready for another potentially challenging year, and could save you money as well improving the efficiency of your assets.