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As of 22 May, France’s PACTE law introduced new requirements to examine inventive step. Eric Enderlin outlines the changes and their implications for patent holders.

​​​​​​​This year's World Gin Day falls on Saturday 13 June with virtual events planned around the world. Vanessa Harrow explores the IP that accompanies our favourite tipple.

A robust anti-counterfeiting strategy is crucial for all brands as the trade in fakes continues to grow. To mark this year's World Anti-Counterfeiting Day, we set out advice on how to get started.

The management of patents claiming technology that is essential to an industry standard is an important, but challenging area of patent law.

We regularly receive messages from our clients about unsolicited correspondence from companies presenting themselves as IP protection agents. Please do not make any payments to such companies.

Websites that provide a platform for third parties to sell products now represent some of the world’s most successful businesses. But, the fast-moving nature of e-commerce means that issues around trademark infringement are only now being addressed.

Earlier this year, the EPO published its decision setting out the reasons for its refusal of two European patent applications in which an AI system was designated as the inventor. 

The revised Rules of Procedure at the EPO’s Boards of Appeal (RPBA), known as ‘RPBA 2020’, came into force on 1 January 2020. The revised rules apply to any appeal pending on, or filed after, this date.

Announcement last week that the UK ‘will not be seeking involvement’ in the Unified Patent Court and Unitary Patent system is the latest blow for the much delayed EU patent, as Robert Balsters explains. 

Controlling use of your brand online can be a daunting task. That’s why clever planning, time-saving tools and automated enforcement procedures are critical to success.

EPO ruling on CRISPR gene-editing patent is only the latest example of priority arrangements made according to US practice causing problems for European Patent applications, as Dr Oliver Harris explains. 

While every business is different, certain recommendations apply to the proactive management of a trademark portfolio no matter your industry or business goals. We set out a 10-point strategic plan for streamlining operations in 2020.