Registered Designs – The Grace Period

Registered designs can be used to protect the appearance of a product. Designs…


An Introduction to International Design Applications under the Hague System

Registered designs, like patents, have an international filing system which…


Registered IP and Online Marketplaces

Online platforms have a fundamental interest in promoting and facilitating IP…


UK, EP and PCT applications - Different Routes to Patent Protection in the UK

Patents are territorial rights, which means they can only be granted and…


Why is trade mark registration important for franchising?

Why are Trade Marks Important for a Franchise? Ensuring that strong trade mark…


Impact of the new Rules of Procedure of the EPO Boards of Appeal on users of the EPO system

In January 2020 the European Patent Office (EPO) introduced the new Rules of…


Blockchain IP register at the EUIPO

In April 2021 the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) launched the first…


LIDL hit by a gin-terdict

Not long after a trade mark dispute between supermarkets M&S and Aldi…


$1.8 Billion deal sealed over a trade secret dispute

Two Korean manufacturers of electric vehicle (EV) batteries have recently been…


An introduction to international trade mark applications under the Madrid System

Companies operating in different countries are likely to need trade mark…