Insights

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.

In January 2025, the French Football Federation (FFF) successfully opposed an EU trademark depicting a highly stylised rooster similar to its distinctive logo. Florence Chapin examines the EUIPO rooster trademark opposition decision, the EU General Court's ruling and the implications for holders of figurative marks.

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 UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has recently updated its customer service standards, outlining key performance metrics to ensure efficiency and transparency in handling IP applications and disputes. However, with waiting times getting longer and longer, Mona Asgari offers advice for applicants on navigating the UKIPO trademark backlog.

The Registration Data Access Protocol (RDAP) became the official source for accessing registration data for generic Top-level Domain (gTLD) names on 28 January 2025, replacing the now obsolete WHOIS service. Marc-Emmanuel Mellet explains what this means in practice. 

The recent dispute over the Chanel N°5 trademark raises the question of whether you can register a number as a trademark in the EU. Clarisse Merdy provides some helpful guidance on numeric trademarks and figurative trademark rights.

Our latest white paper explores the strategic importance of domain names and provides practical approaches for mitigating risks and maximising value.

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.

Watch an exclusive webinar where our experts Alissia Shchichka and Marc-Emmanuel Mellet will guide you through best practices for managing and defending your domain portfolio.