News
Out Now: New IP Special "Knowledge Valorisation in R&I Collaborations"
European IP Helpdesk team has just published a new thematic package focusing on “Knowledge Valorisation in R&I Collaborations” It includes a variety of helpful resources that explore the valorisation of research results and scientific knowledge in further detail.

EU and Chile comprehensive and updated protection for wines and spirits’ names
Both EU and Chile have just modernised their agreements on wines and on spirits and aromatized wines, which enhances bilateral trade of these products playing a key role in agricultural trade for both parties that will benefit from reciprocal protection.
EC Publishes: Recommendations on Code of Practice on the Management of Intellectual Assets and on Standardisation
The Commission has recently published a Recommendation on a Code of practice on the management of intellectual asset for knowledge valorisation a Recommendation on a Code of practice on Standardisation.

Burberry - Frida Khalo
In this week's news, two decisions from EUIPO on registration and opposition.
EUIPO Released an Updated Study Analysing Green EU Trade Mark Filings
European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has recently released an update of an earlier study that analyses green EU trade marks (EUTMs).

AI-generated work denied copyright registration in the US – LOTR vs Lord of the Bins
This week in the news: the US Copyright Office cancels registration of AI-generated work, and a small business faces Middle Earth giants in the UK.
Despite Difficult Economic Conditions WIPO Recorded the Highest Number of PCT Filings in A Single Year
The number of international patent applications has increased by 0.3% and reached its peak in 2022 despite difficult economic conditions.
Ambassador of the Month: Tomasz Łyżwiński
The European IP Helpdesk team is delighted to introduce you to a member of our regional intellectual property (IP) Ambassadors each month. The ambassador of this month Tomasz Łyżwiński is from Regional Centre for Innovation and Technology Transfer, Poland.
European Innovators Evaluate the Pros and Cons of the Unitary Patent System
The Unitary Patent system is now ready to enter into operation on 1 June 2023 and it is time for European innovators to decide whether or not they will use the new system.

Joan Mitchell Foundation vs Vuitton – Eminem vs Real Housewives
This week in the news, a focus on two recent IP developments concerning US artists.

Brazil joins the Hague agreement
Under the Hague System, one international application replaces a whole series of applications that would otherwise have to be filed with different national offices.

Drake vs Vogue – Further steps in the transposition of EU copyright provisions
This week in IP news: Drake settles lawsuit over fake Vogue cover, and new developments in the transposition of EU copyright rules.

Intellectual Property in ChatGPT
In this month's IP blog post, we focus on Chat GPT, the AI tool that everyone liked to try in recent weeks.
Call for Expression of Interest: Intellectual Property (IP) Due Diligence Service Experts
European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) seeks IP experts to provide IP due diligence services to beneficiaries of European Innovation Council (EIC) grants.
Unitary Patent to Enter Into Operation on 1 June 2023: Successful Completion of the Necessary Ratification Procedures
German government deposited its instrument of ratification of the Agreement on a Unified Patent Court (UPCA) with the Council of the European Union.
Just Published: New Joint Report on Risks of Illicit Trade in Counterfeits to SMEs
Joining forces with Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the European the European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) just published a new report "Risks of Illicit Trade in Counterfeits".
Out Now: Brand-New IP Special “Assignment of IP”
A new IP Special focusing on assignment of IP as well as highlighting the features of assignment agreements has just been published by the European IP Helpdesk team.

Bike saddles and Hermès NFTs
This week, two cases on surprising topics: when is a bike saddle "visible" for the purpose of design protection, and can we make NFTs with Hermès handbags?
European Patent Office (EPO) Opens Public Consultation on its Observatory on Patents and Technology
The consultation is open to all interested stakeholders and experts of the innovation ecosystem - and not limited to IP specialists.
New IP Special: IP and Social Media
European IP Helpdesk team has just published a new thematic package “IP and Social Media” comprising an animated clip, a fact sheet and an infographic.

Google Cars and amendments to the Madrid System
Someone tries to trade mark the Google brand for cars, and some changes to the Madrid Agreement for the international registration of trade marks.
Training Series in Cooperation with the European Patent Office: Patent Protection for EU Funding Beneficiaries
European IP Helpdesk team is delighted to announce the lecture series “Patent Protection for EU Funding Beneficiaries” organised in co-operation with the European Patent Office (EPO).
EPO Publishes: Patent Insight Reports Related to Quantum Technologies
European Patent Office (EPO) has just published a patent insight report on quantum computing summarizing the results of patent analyses in the field of quantum technologies.
New Joint Report: Compulsory Licensing of Intellectual Property Rights
New joint study on Compulsory Licensing of Intellectual Property Rights for European Commission has recently been published.
Plagiarius Competition 2023 Has Announced The Prize Winners
The Prize winners of the Plagiarius Competition 2023 has just been announced.
Ambassador of the Month: Christina Deyl
Each month we introduce you to a member of our Ambassador team. This month: Christina Deyl from Hessen Trade & Invest GmbH, Germany and she has been supporting regional small and medium enterprises for more than 15 years.
Libya’s Trademark Office temporary suspends acceptance of foreign applications and trade mark registrations
The new measure takes effect from 1 November 2022

Big Mac decision – Charlie Chaplin’s Charlot
Recent decision from the Boards of Appeal concerning “Big Mac” trade mark. EUIPO decision concerning the registration as a EUTM of Charlie Chaplin’s Charlot character.

Louboutin – Amazon case (C-148/21 and C-184/21)
For this month's blog post, we have made a compilation of the Louboutin - Amazon cases

Rolex case. Sonos-Google
Recent case law from the General Court and updates from Sonos – Google patent dispute.
Ambassador of the Month: Emilie Marcelet
Each month we introduce you to a member of our Ambassador team. The ambassador of this month is Emilie Marcelet from Hauts de France Innovation Development, who has been part of the team since 2013.
Applications Are Now Open for WIPO Global Awards 2023
The annual WIPO Global Awads competition is now open to self-nominations from candidates in all countries and business sectors.
EPO Launches: Hydrogen Patents for A Clean Energy Future
European Patent Office (EPO) and the International Energy Agency (IEA) have recently published a joint study analysing the innovation along hydrogen value chains.
Call for Applications: Ideas Powered for Business SME Fund 2023
European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has recently announced that the call for applications to the SME Fund 2023 will be open from 23 January to 8 December 2023.
e-shape Capacity Building: Joint Training Session on Commercialisation of Intellectual Property
Joining forces with e-shape IP and Innovation Office (Evenflow) and EARSC, the European IP Helpdesk team organized an IP training session on „Intellectual Property Commercialisation and Licensing”.

Adidas – Thom Browne. Trade mark registration of a person’s face.
Adidas loses trial over three-stripes trade mark. Decision from the EUIPO Examination Division.

Puma vs Puma case – Streaming password sharing
Recent case law from the General Court. The UKIPO guidelines on password sharing of online streaming services.
EISMEA and EPO Join Forces to Support Key Technologies
The European Patent Office (EPO) and the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) have signed a letter of intent to ensure the right support for key technologies.
Just Published: Joint Report on EU Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD) jointly published a factual document “EU enforcement of intellectual property rights: Results at the EU border and in the EU internal market, 2021”.
Unitary Patent: Official Forms to Request Transitional Measures Are Now Available
Official forms relating to the early uptake of the Unitary Patent are now available on the European Patent Office (EPO) website.

Brazil deposits its adhesion to the Hague Agreement
Brazil deposited its adhesion to the Hague Agreement protocol for the International Registration of Industrial Designs

Iceland case – Louboutin and Amazon
The Grand Board of Appeal of the EUIPO issued the “Iceland” case ruling. The CJEU ruled on Amazon's liability in the Louboutin case.
Happy New Year 2023!
The India IP SME Helpdesk wishes to everyone a very happy 2023 and takes the opportunity to look back on the two years since its inception and all that has been accomplished!

Intellectual Property in major sports events
New monthly blog post on Intellectual Property Rights in major sports events.

McCain Case - Ericsson and Apple sign a global licence deal
Case law from the General Court and a legal dispute over 5G patents.

El Salvador and Guatemala implement HDB in TMclass
The National Center of Registries from El Salvador (CNR), and the Registry of Intellectual Property of Guatemala (RPI), have both implemented the Harmonise Database of goods and services (HDB) in TMclass.

Pfizer and BioNtech countersue Moderna – Advocate General’s Opinion in case C-686/21
Pfizer and BioNtech countersue Moderna over Covid-19 vaccine. Advocate General’s Opinion in case Legea C-686/21

São Tomé and Príncipe will use HDB
As of 12 December 2022, the National Service of Intellectual Property and Quality of São Tomé and Príncipe (SENAPIQ-STP) will use and accept the list of terms from the harmonised database of goods and services (HDB) in TMclass.

Boosting Knowledge Valorisation: Join the European Union Awareness Campaign in 2023
The European Commission welcomes adoption of the Council Recommendation on the guiding principles for knowledge valorisation and invites stakeholders to joing awareness campaign in 2023.
High-growth Technology Business Conference 2022 Insights
High-growth technology business (HTB) conference, held on 21 and 22 November, gave decision-makers in technology and growth-driven enterprises, and especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), an opportunity to learn more about how intellectual property (IP) can support their business.
Shaping the World of Tomorrow Together: Established Frameworks for Successful EU-India Collaboration in Research and Innovation
Collaborative R&I is a major driver for innovation, and India one of the up-and-coming economies in the world, as well as a growing player in the world of innovation.
In this Blog Post we have a look at framework applicable to Europe-India joint R&D activities.

UK – India Free Trade Agreement Going Forward
After several month of negotiation, the new bilateral trade agreement goes forward with some crucial points to be settled, patents and copyright aspects of the Indian film industry.
Vietnam joins Marrakesh Treaty to protect interests of visually impaired people
A document on Vietnam’s participation in the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled has been handed over to Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)...
International cooperation helps to fight counterfeit goods
The Vietnam Directorate of Market Surveillance under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), and Cooperativeve Vereniging SNB - React U.A (React) in Asia-Pacific, an anti-counterfeiting network, on December 8...

“Naturkaps – Naturcaps” and “Las Cebras – Lezebra”
Recent case law from the General Court.
Bac Giang builds trademarks for farm produce to expand market
The northern province of Bac Giang is building trademarks for local farm produce with an aim of reaching more markets, toward raising the value of agro-forestry produce export by an average 8% a year to reach about 200 million USD by 2030, reported the provincial People’s Committee.

New Infographic: IP & the Automotive Industry in India
The automotive sector has a prominent place in the Indian economy, accounting for 7% of the country's GDP, ranking as the 5th largest automobile industry in the world. This infographic explains what European SMEs wishing to enter this market must be aware of from and IP perspective.

New Roster of Judges Announced in Delhi High Court
After the abolition of the previous IPAB, the Delhi High Court recently announced a new roster of judges that will take over the IPD divisions of the High Court with effect from 28 November 2022 as well as other Courts communicated some of the actions taken since the abolition of the previous body.

New Infographic: Performing a Patent Search in India
Indian patents are granted by Indian Patent Office, after examining the patent application filed by the applicant. This infographic reveals the crucial points of a patent search that will determine whether this examination may lead to the rejection of the application or to the grant of a patent.

New Infographic: Franchising in India
This infographic illustrates the usefulness of franchising a business model in India, and the key points to have in mind when it comes to IP management in this context.
Modernisation of the Legislation on Industrial Design Protection
The Commission is presenting revised rules that aim to make industrial designs quicker, cheaper and more predictable.
EC Launches New Public Consultation on Horizon Research and Innovation Programmes
The European Commission has recently launched the broadest public consultation ever held on the past, present and future of the European research and innovation programmes.
Thailand’s MOU on Online Advertising and IPRs Promotes Collaboration to Fight Infringement
Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) has continued its strategy of enlisting the support of stakeholders from various sectors in the fight against infringement of intellectual property rights (IPRs) by introducing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on advertising practices...
BIP Asia: ASEAN supports IP commercialization and technology transfer
In the recently concluded 12th Business of IP Asia Forum held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on December 1 and 2, Rowel Barba, chair of the ASEAN Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC) and who is also director general of the Intellectual Property Office...

New Infographic: Protection of Original Creations in India and Europe
Part 3 of the team's series comparing different IP protection regimens in Europe and India casts a glance at copyrights and industrial designs.

Paraguay deposits its accession to Vienna Agreement and Nairobi Treaty
On 25 November 2022, WIPO announced that Paraguay had deposited its accession to two Treaties: Vienna Agreement (entry into force: 25 February 2023), and Nairobi Treaty (entry into force: 25 December 2022).
Ambassador of the Month: James Walsh
European IP Helpdesk team is happy to introduce you to the ambassador of this month James Walsh from Ireland.
New Infographic: Commercialising IP - Assignment Agreements
European IP Helpdesk team has recently published a new infographic that adds together the concept IP assignment, the benefits, risks and the key elements of assignment agreements.

TSG Pizza Napoletana - Juventus FC and NFTs - "Pasapalabra" case
Weekly news regarding Traditional Speciality Guaranteed "Pizza Napoletana", trade mark infringement and NFTs and updates on "Pasapalabra" case.

Out Now: Your Guide to Intellectual Property Management in Horizon Europe
European IP Helpdesk team has recently published a new IP guide that aims to spotlight critical aspects and novelties related to Intellectual Property (IP) management in the context of collaborative research and innovation projects funded under Horizon Europe Framework Programme.

New Case Study: How to Avoid IP Scams and Fake Invoices When Registering IP in India
International IP registrations bear the risk of scams and false invoices - this case study highlights some dos and don'ts.
Commission publishes latest Counterfeit and Piracy Watch List
The Commission’s third Counterfeit and Piracy Watch List, published today, names websites and physical marketplaces outside the EU that are reported to engage in, facilitate or benefit from counterfeiting and piracy.
BIP Asia: Making IP investing accessible and easy in ASEAN
At the 12th Business of IP Asia Forum held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre December 1, 2022, ASEAN Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC) chair Rowel S. Barba boasted of numerous...
Regulations on criteria for evaluating famous trademarks according to Vietnam's intellectual property law
According to the provisions of Clause 16, Article 4 of the Law on Intellectual Property 2005, amended and supplemented in 2009, in 2019 , a mark is a sign used to distinguish goods and services of organizations and individuals. different ”.

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
New monthly blog post on the “FIFA World Cup”, one of the most renowned international football tournaments.
Philippines Implements Sui Generis To Protect GIs
The Philippines is finally implementing a sui generis system to safeguard geographical indicators after nearly 20 years of study and multi-stakeholder consultations (GIs).
WIPO Action Plan: Unlocking Intangible Asset Finance
The leaders of the intellectual property (IP), business and finance communities have recently met in the High-level Conversation on "Unlocking Intangible Asset Finance" to discuss how intangible assets, including IP, can unlock financing to grow businesses.

New infographic on IP and the cosmetics sector in Latin America
The cosmetics market value in Latin America is projected to reach EUR 41,390 million in 2024. Don't miss the chance to check how to protect your IPRs (Copyright, Trade marks, Industrial Designs, trade secrets and Patent) in the cosmetics sector in Latin America.
New Case Study SlideWheel: How a Swiss Engineer Made His Son’s Dream of a Next-Generation Water Slide Come True – With the Help of a Strong Partner and IP
European IP Helpdesk team has recently published a new case study “SlideWheel” that illustrates how an imaginary idea can turn into reality with an early-stage intellectual property (IP) protection and the collaboration with an experienced partner.
EUIPO Announces: DesignEuropa Awards 2023 Will Take Place in Berlin
the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has announced that the 2023 edition of the DesignEuropa Awards ceremony will take place in Berlin.
New Report from WIPO: Global IP Filings Reached New All-Time Highs in 2021
World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) just released 2022 edition of World Intellectual Property Indicators (WIPI) that analyses the IP activities around the world. The report shows that Asian countries were a driving force for global innovation in 2021.
Indonesian President calls for IP waiver broadening; IP lawyer agrees on IP waiver on Patent of Inventions
At the recently held G20 Summit, Indonesian President Joko Widodo declared that an intellectual property waiver "must be broadened" to cover all medical solutions, including diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Indonesian President calls for IP waiver broadening; IP lawyer agrees on IP waiver on Patent of Inventions
At the recently held G20 Summit, Indonesian President Joko Widodo declared that an intellectual property waiver "must be broadened" to cover all medical solutions, including diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Classical Music and Copyright Infringement in India
Reinventing or composing new works under the inspiration of classical music patterns can be tricky. Find more about the topic though this interesting case.

Banksy – "K K WATER" case
Banksy facing copyright infringement and Case law from the General Court.
Thanh Hoa moves to develop agricultural specialties
Thanh Hoa (VNA) – Authorities in Thanh Hoa province have been working hard to help agricultural specialties gain a foothold in the market...
IPOPHL’s GI rules now in effect, signaling strengthened protection and promotion of local products
After nearly 20 years of research and multi-stakeholder consultations, the Philippines is finally putting in place a sui generis system to protect geographical indications (GIs)...

Watch Now: How to Protect Trade Secrets and Confidential Information in India
Trade secrets is a type of intellectual property often neglected by SMEs. Learn more about the aspects you should keep in mind in order to protect an asset as a trade secret in India.

New Factsheet: IP and Green Technology in India
Check our last factsheet and learn more about the latest initiatives in India to promote Green Technology and innovation, efforts that will potentially secure the future of all of us.

New Case Study: Tech Transfer
Technology transfer is a fundamental part of the engine that aims to launch innovations from research institutions and universities into the market. EU SMEs that aim to commercialise a new technology in India through a tech transfer arrangement should not miss the read.
Indonesia Update: “POP-Merek” speeds up of Trade Mark Renewal
November 2022 marks the official roll out of the Indonesia Trade Mark office's trade mark renewal process...

New Factsheet: IP and Agri-food in India
As the agri-food sector is gaining momentum, EU SMEs offering innovative solutions in this industry have plenty of opportunities for expansion provided they consider local particularities and define robust IP strategies to protect their innovation.

New Case Study: Enforcement of Trade Secrets and Indian Employees
Understanding Indian legislation regarding the rights and responsibilities imposed upon employers and employees when dealing with a company's confidential information
Malaysia Holds Successful Event for Digital Creators
The Kre8tif event hosted by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) recently ended with a boom. In addition to being as a hub for those interested in the business to explore possibilities, education, production, and distribution, this event is a platform...
Indonesia: IP Enforcement Manual
The Indonesian legal system does make protecting intellectual property (‘IP’) rights challenging. The presence of TRIPS-compliant IP laws is not matched by efficient criminal enforcement or customs border protection systems in practice.
Singapore: Public consultation on subsidiary legislation on Regulation of Collective Management Organisations
On 7 November 2022, the Ministry of Law ("MinLaw") and the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) launched a public consultation to seek feedback on a draft subsidiary legislation regarding the regulation...
IPOPHL furthers central ASEAN repository of copyright and related rights information
The Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights (BCRR) recently helped advance the ASEAN Creative Information Network (ACIN) Project, which aims to create a central database for copyright information across ASEAN...
Reverse Innovation: How Innovations Fostered in Developing Countries such as India May Conquer Western Markets
A new phenomena in the innovation environment has been gaining importance in the recent years: that of "reverse innovation".
In this Blog Post we look at what this means, and how this can impact the internationalisation of innovative European SMEs.
Singapore: Importance of the use of a registered mark in a revocation action
In Singapore, a registered trademark may be susceptible to cancellation if it has not been used within five years from completion of registration, or if such use has been suspended for a continuous period of five years or more. The following case is a reminder.
Advantages and drawbacks of the arbitration of IP disputes
Increasing numbers of parties in IP-reliant industries such as technology, healthcare, aviation, etc., are agreeing to resolve disputes under their cross-border contracts via arbitration. Matthew Shaw considers the unique advantages and some potential downsides of the arbitration of IP disputes.