When creating or launching a new product to market, it’s tempting to think in terms only of patent or trademark rights. However, many products comprise a mix of different types of intellectual property, including patent, trademark, design, copyright and related rights.
Types of intellectual property: How much IP is there in any given product?
With trademark attorneys uniquely placed at the cross-section of legal, product and business consulting, a broader range of skills is required to support clients and adapt to new industry trends and technologies. Little wonder this year’s MARQUES conference takes as its theme the ‘many traits of the trademark expert’, says Luke Portnow.
MARQUES conference 2024: Trademarks, traits and trust
A ruling by the European Patent Office’s Board of Appeal has clarified the allowability of amended claims via ‘intermediate generalisation’. Martin Kohrs outlines the decision and what it means in practice.
T 1762/21 and intermediate generalisation before the European Patent Office
Two world-famous sportswear brands recently came head-to-head in a battle over the trademark ‘footware’, with Puma objecting to Nike’s trademark on the basis that it is not eligible for protection, as Lisanne de Vries explains.
Trademark eligibility: Puma overcomes Nike in ‘footware’ case
It may be called the European Patent Office (EPO), but the EPO’s 2028 Strategic Plan outlines its international ambitions, as Martin Chaumont explains.
From the UPC to Validation Agreements: Strategic expansion at the EPO
Trump win in recent decision by EUIPO's Opposition Division illustrates again the importance of establishing trademark evidence of use for prior marks.
Donald Trump and trademark evidence of use
Ghalia Ben Jdidia explains what Veuve Clicquot’s fight to protect its orange label reveals about the difficulties of establishing distinctive character when seeking to register a colour as a trademark in the EU.
Veuve Clicquot and the battle to register colour as a trademark
Celebrities and influencers have now become 'brands' in their own right, but building a brand around your name and personality does not come without risks.
Celebrity trademarks: What to do if your brand is you
Finding the right balance between patent protection and legal certainty is a vital part of effective European patent drafting. The Order of the Court of Appeal issued by the Unified Patent Court emphasises the importance of precise drafting of patent claims to avoid ambiguities and guarantee the protection sought.
European patents: How to balance patent protection and legal certainty
Counterfeit issues can spike in the summer months, warns Mariëlle Hoffer. Protect your brand assets effectively this season by taking these two strategic actions.
Two actions to take to overcome counterfeit issues this summer
Discover when, how and where to start when protecting a design via the European and international design registration systems with our practical guide.
Protecting a design in the EU: A practical guide
Reinforce your business's foundation by boosting your intellectual property (IP) awareness and knowledge. Join us to explore the fundamentals of IP law in a comprehensive and practical webinar.
[Webinar] Master the basics of IP: Unlock the power of your intellectual property