Patents

Gain live expert insights from Alban Radivojevic and Vanessa Harrow on aligning trademarks, designs and patents to enable speed, protection and competitive edge. 

We’re excited to announce that the 39th MARQUES Annual Conference will take place from 16–19 September 2025 at the World Forum in The Hague, Netherlands.

In sectors defined by rapid cycles and shifting consumer expectations, such as fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), IP is not just about protection, it’s about acceleration. The ability to secure, align, and commercialise IP at pace is central to how companies bring new products and services to market, and how they grow. 

Following a recent decision by the Swiss Federal Administrative Court confirming that an artificial intelligence (AI) system cannot be the inventor of a patent, Robert Balsters explores the legal and practical realities of AI-assisted inventions and the future of AI patent inventorship.

Intellectual property (IP) rights play a vital role in helping inventors protect and defend the names of products or services (trademarks), the aesthetic aspects of creations (designs) and the innovations themselves (patents). In this short guide, Matthieu Boulard examines the intersection between IP rights and the process of innovation.

Can a product which is marketed but not reproducible/analysable be considered prior art? This is the question at the heart of the decision in G 1/23, says Philippe Vigand. He explains the implications of the Enlarged Board of Appeal’s findings. 

At a time when climate and environmental issues are more important than ever, it is reasonable to look to technological innovation for at least part of the solution. Martin Chaumont explains the critical role of the patent system in protecting, promoting and financing 'green' technology innovations.

We’re proud to sponsor and attend the next Enterprise Tuesday at Norwich Research Park on 3 June 2025.

The European Patent Office (EPO) published its second study on innovation in cancer technologies in February, revealing that Europe leads the way in oncology startups but lags behind the United States and China in cancer innovation. Nadège Lagneau explores the key findings, including the central role played by public research in European oncology innovation. 

Costa Rica has become the latest country to join the list of EPO validation states after the European Patent Office and Costa Rica’s Ministry of Justice and Peace signed a historic agreement for the validation of European patents.

The Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property of Brazil (INPI) officially joined the Global Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) programme on 1 January 2025, offering applicants new opportunities to obtain patents more quickly and efficiently in the country.

The EU patent system has changed! We explain how to select the optimal European patent protection strategy for your market needs, budget and business objectives.