Designs

Download our factsheet for an overview of registered and unregistered design rights in the UK and EU following Brexit, and our top tips for brand owners on building an effective design right strategy.

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.

The UK government recently announced a change to the rules of representation before the UKIPO. From 1 January 2021, new trademark, design and patent applications and contentious actions at the UKIPO will require a 'UK address for service' to be appointed.

An essential device to fight the spread of COVID-19, the mask now represents a retail market in its own right. Marine Dissoubray spells out the IP implications.

Many companies estimate the health and relative worth of their IP portfolios based on size alone. However, those IP rights could be worth far less if the following checks and balances are not also considered.

On 31 December, the Brexit transition period will come to an end and the UK will officially leave the EU. Vanessa Harrow looks in detail at the implications for trademark and design rights, including ongoing contentious proceedings.

Disney, creator of the Toy Story movie franchise, is being sued by the Evel Knievel estate, which claims that its newest character, Duke Caboom, has ripped off the likeness of the infamous stunt performer.

As the Brexit transition period officially ended on 31 December 2020, the clock is ticking to find out what this means for your IP portfolio, as well as any actions you may need to take. Watch the recording of our latest Brexit webinar for timely advice on safeguarding your IP strategies and minimising business risk.

Brexit took place on 31 January 2020, but what happens next? Download our handy checklist of IP actions to take during and after the Brexit transition period.

Safeguarding product designs via national, EU and international systems can provide companies with an important and cost-effective route to IP protection. However, systems for registering design rights do come with specific rules and restrictions.

Patent and trademark offices are adapting their working methods in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Read our overview of changes to procedural requirements, timeframes, channels of communication and other impacts on IPOs in Europe and worldwide. 

The UK IPO's period of 'interrupted days', which resulted in the extension of most deadlines, ends today (29 July 2020). However, aware of the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on applicants and proprietors of intellectual property rights, the Government has introduced a new statutory instrument making temporary amendments to the patent, trademark and design fee rules.