Patents

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.

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.

Download our strategic guide to European patent strategies, from the Unitary Patent to national validations and a mixed approach, along with expert guidance on how to select the optimal strategy according to your market needs, budget and business objectives. 

IP licensing can provide companies with additional (or core) revenue streams, enable them to raise brand awareness and enhance their reputation, and extend their brands into new markets and geographies. However, if IP ownership or validity is unclear, it can also pose significant financial and business risk.

Find out more about prior art and freedom to operate (FTO) searching, two types of patent searches with distinct objectives at different phases of innovation.