Unitary Patent: renewal fees decided
At long last, the EPO have made a decision on the renewal fee structure for the Unitary Patent (UP).
Search
Find the right content for you
EPO Enlarged Board of Appeal Rules on Plant-Patentability in Broccoli II and Tomatoes II Decision
On 25th March 2015, the Enlarged Board of Appeal at the EPO released its decision on the so-called Broccoli II (G2/13) and Tomatoes II (G2/12) cases, both of which relate to the patentability of plants and plant matter under Article 53(b) EPC. The Tomato II case relates to a “method for breeding tomatoes having reduced water content and product of the method”, with the Broccoli II case involving a “method for selective increase of the anticarcinogenic glucosinolates in brassica species”.
Substantial Rise in Official Fees in United Arab Emirates (UAE)
In an unexpected price rise the UAE Ministry of Economy has announced a substantial increase in official fees on trade mark applications.
Trade Mark Strategies for Social Media Campaigns
Social media is now an integral part of everyday life –something which brand owners have been quick to recognise. As a result social media has fast become a vital part of any marketing strategy, for consumer products in particular, with many phrases, straplines and brands being devised specifically for targeted marketing campaigns using media such as Facebook and Twitter.
New Fast Track examination – accelerated procedure for Community trade mark applications
Since 24 November 2014, OHIM (the European trade mark office, which registers Community trade marks) offers applicants the possibility to have their Community trade mark applications published more quickly, thanks to the Fast Track examination.
Should we try to trade mark a Twitter #hashtag?
Social media has become an integral part of marketing strategy for consumer products, with many phrases, straplines and brands being devised specifically for targeted campaigns and used with a hashtag.
A hashtag is simply a way for people to search for conversations on Twitter relating to a particular topic. Brand owners who want to generate a buzz on Twitter around their brand can run a campaign for people to use a particular hashtag when discussing their product or business, making it possible for clever marketers to use phrases or words as part of a particular campaign. But in a highly competitive world how does a brand owner protect the effort put into such campaign branding? And, if they protect it, how do they control it?
Webmarking of patented products
The Intellectual Property Office's Webmarking of patented products – business guidance is set out below: