Marks & Clerk News Feed

Court of Appeal criticises ECJ ruling in L? Oréal v Bellure

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 18:09:41 GMT

The Court of Appeal recently handed down its final judgment in L?Oréal v Bellure, following the ECJ ruling on 18 June 2009. The case had been referred back to the Court of Appeal to rule on the issue of Bellure?s use of L?Oreal?s trade marks on comparison lists.

Registration of wine bottle surfaces rejected

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 18:01:02 GMT

In the recent case of Freixenet SA v OHIM (Cases T-109/08 and T-110/08), the General Court has upheld OHIM?s decision to refuse the registration of the surfaces of two wine bottles as trade marks in Class 33.

New trade mark law in Montenegro

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:57:50 GMT

Following the separation of the union state of Serbia-Montenegro and the independence of Montenegro from Serbia in 2006, a new trade mark law is expected to be introduced in Montenegro shortly.

Supreme Court Bilski ruling means business as usual for business method patents

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:33:55 GMT

The US Supreme Court has today handed down its long-awaited opinion on the much-followed Bilski v Kappos case. The case concerns a patent application for a business method for hedging risks in commodities trading.

Split decisions in UK and Germany on claim construction

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:58:50 GMT

Parallel European Patent litigations between Occlutech and AGA Medical Corporation in the UK and Germany illustrate that the two countries can look at claim construction differently, despite the European Patent Convention (EPC) encouraging a uniform approach.

Norway Extends International Design Coverage to EEA

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:39:07 GMT

From the 17 June 2010, Norway will be bound by the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs.

UK IPO launches fast-track for PCT(UK) applications

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:40:52 GMT

The UK Intellectual Property Office has recently announced a fast-track scheme for PCT(UK) patent applications. Under the scheme, a qualifying application can get an examination report within two months.

New EPO Rules - an update

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:54:35 GMT

On the 1st April 2010 the European Patent Office (EPO) introduced a host of new rules intended to accelerate prosecution of European patent applications and reduce the period of time over which divisional European applications could be filed. We are now two months into the new system and so it seems a good time to assess how the EPO is implementing their new rules in practice.

Brand owners call for stronger protection against growing challenges of digital age, finds Marks & Clerk research

Mon, 24 May 2010 18:10:38 GMT

The internet is viewed as a ?double-edged sword? for businesses, according to the latest brands research from Marks & Clerk. Nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) of respondents to its annual survey ? based on the views of 266 UK business executives responsible for brand ownership, marketing and control ? believe that while the digital age has brought tremendous opportunity for brand promotion, intellectual property abuses and threats to brand integrity are more numerous and difficult to protect against.

Pharma industry enters critical phase as patent cliff looms large, hastening consolidation

Mon, 17 May 2010 12:21:43 GMT

The looming patent cliff facing major pharmaceutical companies is pushing the industry into a critical phase in terms of drug innovation and consolidation, according to the latest annual life sciences research from Marks & Clerk.

Enlarged Board of Appeal confirms approach to controversial software patents

Wed, 12 May 2010 17:33:11 GMT

The Enlarged Board of Appeal of the European Patent Office (EPO) today handed down its much anticipated opinion on the subject of patentability of computer programs under the European Patent Convention.

Google wins 'AdWords' dispute at Europe?s highest court

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 13:28:54 GMT

Europe?s highest court has ruled today in favour of Google in its long-standing fight against a number of high profile brand owners, including Louis Vuitton owner, LVMH. The judgment given by the Court of Justice of the European Union (formerly the ECJ) held that Google?s ?AdWords? service does not infringe the trade marks of brand owners.

UKIPO fees set to increase

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:09:43 GMT

The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) will increase its fees from 6 April 2010.

Court of Appeal judgment in ?Cipriani? trade mark case

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:10:32 GMT

The Court of Appeal recently gave its judgment in the Cipriani trade mark case. The Court dismissed the appeal and upheld the 2008 High Court decision that the London restaurant was infringing Italian based Hotel Cipriani?s trade mark and that use of the Cipriani name by the London restaurant amounted to passing off.

New EPO President elected

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:02:16 GMT

Benoît Battistelli, Director General of the French National Institute of Industrial Property of France, has been elected as President of the European Patent Office (EPO).

ASA rules on fluctuating prices in advertising

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:02:24 GMT

The advertising watchdog, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), has recently issued a decision which will impact on the way in which online retailers publish printed advertising materials bearing their prices.

EPO Enlarged Board of Appeal announces the end of Swiss form claims

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:45:39 GMT

In Decision G02/08 issued today, the Enlarged Board of Appeal of the EPO has decided that Swiss-form claims will in future no longer be permitted. Specifically, they have said: ?Therefore, where the subject matter of a claim is rendered novel only by a new therapeutic use of a medicament, such claim may no longer have the format of a so called Swiss-type claim as instituted by decision G 5/83?.

Simplified UK Customs Regulations on counterfeit goods ease brand owners? burden

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:49:29 GMT

Further changes to the way that HM Revenue and Customs administer the regime for dealing with counterfeit goods are due to come into effect on 10 March 2010 and will ease the burden on brand owners.

Official language change not permitted in EPO proceedings

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:52:15 GMT

The EPO Enlarged Board of Appeal has formally upheld in decision G4/08 the commonly held, but not necessarily popular view, that at least since 1991 it has not been possible to change the language of proceedings in the EPO from one official language to one of the other two.

RCD application content clarified

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:35:09 GMT

OHIM has now officially acknowledged that although only the first seven views (for each design) will be taken into account in a Registered Community Design (RCD) application, any surplus views submitted on filing will be archived in the application file and will be included in a certified copy of the RCD application, for priority purposes.

EPO clarifies patentability of diagnostic methods

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:08:10 GMT

The Enlarged Board of Appeal at the European Patent Office (EPO) issued a decision on 15 Feb 2010 in case G1/07. This case concerned the patentability of diagnostic methods which (in certain embodiments) involve an invasive intervention with the human or animal body.

VODKAT is not vodka

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:22:29 GMT

In the case of Diageo North America Inc v Intercontinental Brands, the UK High Court successfully upheld an action of passing off against Intercontinental Brands, the manufacturers of VODKAT, holding that VODKAT is not vodka.

Chinese design law clarified

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:12:45 GMT

A recent announcement of the Chinese Supreme Court has clarified some issues on the interpretation of Chinese design law which impacts on European applicants.

Montenegro (ME) joins EPO Extension States

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:26:38 GMT

The extension agreement signed by the President of the European Patent Office (EPO) and Montenegro's Minister for Economic Development will enter into force on 1 March 2010.

EC investigates pharma patent settlements

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:54:53 GMT

The European Commission (EC) has launched a probe over patent settlements made between drug companies and generics manufacturers and whether their use is preventing consumers from accessing cheaper medicines.

Leading patent litigator joins Marks & Clerk Solicitors

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:08:43 GMT

Marks & Clerk Solicitors today announced the appointment of a new equity partner, William Cook, who joins the firm from Simmons & Simmons.

Issue estoppel before the Trade Mark Registry revived

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 12:14:36 GMT

Whilst the prospect of issue estoppel arising in oppostion proceedings before the UK Trade Mark Registry was overruled by the Court of Appeal in Special Effects Ltd v L'Oreal SA [2007] EWCA Civ I, the recent first instance decision of Williams Evans and Susan Mary Evans v Focal Point Fires Plc has revived the possibility in invalidity proceedings, at least those based on earlier rights.

Additional protection for health claims and supporting data outside patent law

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:30:44 GMT

Under the rarely used Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, which governs health claims made for foods and which extends even to the use of trade marks or product names adopted for such foods, Provexis Natural Products Ltd have been authorised by the EU Commission to make the claim for its tomato concentrate product that this "Helps to maintain a healthy blood flow and benefits circulation.?

IP5 website launched

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:20:42 GMT

The IP5, the group of the world?s five largest intellectual property offices, has recently launched a website (http://www.fiveipoffices.org) to provide news and information on the objectives of the IP5.

New ?green fast track? from USPTO

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:37:05 GMT

10 December 2009

The US Patent and Trademark Office has announced a pilot program for accelerating US patent applications for ?green tech? innovation.

Pre-Budget Report 2009: a boost to UK innovation

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:35:19 GMT

- Enterprise rewarded in patent tax break

- £120m pledged to low carbon technology

As part of his Pre-Budget Report, the Chancellor announced a new lower rate of corporation tax to income generated from patents, in a move designed to boost R&D industries. A consultation is to follow with the legislation to be enacted in the Finance Bill 2011, and to apply from April 2013.

One-click patent rumbles on at the EPO

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:35:16 GMT

The Board of Appeal of the European Patent Office has recently heard an appeal against revocation of one of Amazon's "one-click" patents following opposition proceedings. The Board of Appeal found that the decision to revoke the patent should be set aside and that the patent should be returned to the opposition division for further consideration of an alternative set of claims.

eBay fined by French courts following LVMH injunction

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:23:58 GMT

eBay has been ordered by the French courts to pay LVMH, the French luxury goods group, 1.7m Euros (£1.5m) for failing to prevent the sale of LVMH products on its website.

Referral to ECJ for clarification of transhipment rules

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:33:38 GMT

The Court of Appeal in the case of Nokia Corp v HMRC, is to refer questions to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on the issue of whether goods in transit can infringe intellectual property rights and therefore be seized by Customs under the Counterfeit Goods Regulation 2003 (the ?Regulation?).

UPDATE - ICANN expands the domain name system

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:13:41 GMT

Following our earlier news item of 29 October 2009 about the expansion of generic top level domain names (gTLDs), ICANN has now announced that further consideration of issues such as trade mark protection is needed before the new gTLD programme can be rolled out. This change is as a result of the number of different opinions and comments received on many of the issues highlighted in our previous article.

Skilled person gets smarter than ever

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:09:00 GMT

The UK courts have answered a question as to whether the notional ?person skilled in the art? who is construing or interpreting a patent is expected to know anything about patent law and procedure. The answer is yes, according to the recent Court of Appeal case Virgin Atlantic v Premium Aircraft Interiors. As well as knowing about the subject matter, the person skilled in the art is taken to know a bit about patents themselves.

ICANN expands the domain name system

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:13:34 GMT

ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), the body responsible for regulating domain names, is bringing in various measures to expand the current domain name system.

Budweiser case raises key questions on trade mark co-existence

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:46:57 GMT

The Court of Appeal has today referred a series of questions to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in the latest round in the long-standing dispute between Anheuser-Busch (maker of US Budweiser beer) and its Czech Budweiser rival, Budejovicky Budvar. Marks & Clerk Solicitors are acting for long standing client Czech brewers, Budejovicky Budvar in the dispute.

ECJ Ruling - reputation in only one Member State sufficient to satisfy "reputation in the Community" test for trade mark infringement

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:23:00 GMT

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) in the case of PAGO International GmbH v Tirolmilch registrierte Genossenschaft mbH (Case C-301/07) has ruled that a trade mark having a reputation in only one Member State can be sufficient to constitute ?reputation in the Community? for protection under Article 9(1)(c) of the Trade Mark Regulation. This Article affords extra protection from infringement to trade marks with a reputation.

ASA finds ?Fill Your Boots At Tesco? comparative ad not misleading

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:55:59 GMT

A recent decision by the UK advertising industry watchdog, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), found that an advertisement by supermarket chain Tesco comparing prices with health and beauty retailer Boots was not misleading, despite the fact that one of the prices compared was lower in Boots stores than in Tesco.

Exclamation mark cannot be registered as a trade mark!

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:25:35 GMT

The European Court of First Instance has today ruled that German clothing and perfume manufacturer Joop! cannot register an exclamation mark as a trade mark.

ECJ Advocate General backs Google in trade marks case against LVMH

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:46:24 GMT

The Advocate General (AG) of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has today given an Opinion strongly in Google?s favour in the search engine?s long-standing fight against a number of high profile brand owners ? including Louis Vuitton owner, LVMH ? over its controversial ?AdWords? service.

Key changes to UK trade mark examination procedure

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:56:15 GMT

The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has announced a number of changes to the UK trade mark examination procedure, to take effect from 1 October 2009.

i4i versus Microsoft - i4i awarded in excess of $290m

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:24:54 GMT

On 19 August 2009, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, ordered an expedited hearing of the appeal of the high profile case i4i v. Microsoft from the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. This follows the 11 August decision by the District Court which found that Microsoft had infringed i4i's patent. The judgment awarded i4i in excess of $290m and included a permanent injunction to come into effect on 10 October 2009.

Stella McCartney wins perfume battle with Bono's wife

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:09:21 GMT

Stella McCartney will launch her new perfume ? STELLANUDE - after winning a preliminary Court battle against Ali Hewson, the wife of U2's lead singer Bono, in the case Nude Brands Limited v. Stella McCartney. Hewson owns the company Nude Brands Limited, which has a European Community Trade Mark on the mark ?NUDE?.

Last fandango from the House of Lords

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:56:15 GMT

In the case of Fisher v Brooker [2009] UKHL 41, concerning copyright in the music for one of the most iconic songs, A Whiter Shade of Pale, the House of Lords has now ruled that although a part owner of the copyright had waited a very long time before asserting his rights, he had not actually lost the ability to do so.

Conflicting decisions on the same patent

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:28:44 GMT

Courts in the UK and Germany have recently come to opposite conclusions in patent infringement actions on the same patent and on the same product. The German decision came first and the UK court went into detail in analysing the previous German decision. The case in the UK was Occlutech v AGA Medical [2009] EWHC 2013 (Ch) decided on 31 July 2009.

Contractual interpretation principles clarified by Lord Hoffman

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:26:04 GMT

In his final case before retiring, giving the leading judgment in the recent Chartbrook Limited v Persimmon Homes Ltd & Others [2009] UKHL 38, Lord Hoffman has further clarified the principles on the interpretation of legal documents.

Marks & Clerk opens office in Malaysia

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:02:37 GMT

Marks & Clerk is set to extend its presence in Asia through the establishment of a new office in Malaysia. Located in central Kuala Lumpur, Marks & Clerk Malaysia will be headed up by leading attorney Gerald Samuel, who joins Marks & Clerk from specialist IP boutique Miranda & Samuel.

UPDATE - Usernames on Facebook

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:36:37 GMT

Further to our recent news items about the introduction of personalised URLs for Facebook pages, Facebook have now sent out notifications to trade mark owners that registered an interest in the reservation process inviting them to sign up for usernames that include their registered trade marks.

EU Commission issues final report on pharma sector

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:34:00 GMT

The European Commission has released its final report following an EU investigation into competition in the pharmaceutical sector

ECJ confirms ownership of commissioned community designs

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:23:46 GMT

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has confirmed that the rights to Community Designs are not automatically transferred to the commissioner where the design arises from a commissioned piece of work.

ECJ upholds rights of Dutch brewers to Bavaria name

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:20:21 GMT

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has upheld the right for Dutch brewers, Bavaria NV, to produce and market their 'Bavaria' beer despite the fact that Bavarian beer enjoys geographical protection as to where it is made.

Changes to UK Customs Regulations on counterfeit goods make life harder for right owners

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:54:23 GMT

UK Customs and Excise will from 22 June 2009 no longer seize items based upon a witness statement alone but will detain them only pending the outcome of court proceedings instituted by the right holder.

ECJ opens the door to victory for L?Oréal

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:15:50 GMT

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) gave its judgment today in the case brought by L?Oréal against perfume manufacturer, Bellure, concerning the marketing practices of Bellure for its imitation perfumes.

Extension to PPH set for 1 October 2009

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:18:42 GMT

The UK and Korea have signed a bilateral agreement to reduce the time and cost of obtaining patent protection in South Korea (KIPO) using the so-called Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH). The pilot will begin on 1 October 2009.

Interflora High Court decision on Google AdWords

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:01:49 GMT

The High Court has given a decision on the question of Google AdWords in a case brought by relay flower network, Interflora, against Marks & Spencer (M&S) and Flowers Direct.

UPDATE: Trade Marks on Facebook

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:21:33 GMT

Update to Facebook news item of 12 June 2009.

Priority - unity of applicants is essential

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 21:36:19 GMT

The UK Patents Court has ruled that there must be strict unity of applicant as between a first patent filing and a later filing which claims priority from the first application - Edwards Lifesciences v Cook Biotech.

Trade Marks on Facebook

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:24:28 GMT

From 13 June 2009, users of Facebook, the social networking website, will be able to register personalised URLs for their Facebook pages.

Funding gap will lead to further consolidation of biotech industry, finds new Marks & Clerk research

Mon, 18 May 2009 15:15:42 GMT

The depth and virulence of the financial crisis means that the funding model for the biotechnology industry will have to change, leading to a period of increased consolidation, according to the latest annual biotechnology report issued by Marks & Clerk.

UK IPO introduces fast track procedure for "Green" inventions

Mon, 18 May 2009 14:53:24 GMT

The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has introduced a scheme through which parties applying for UK patent protection for an invention relating to "Green or environmentally friendly" technology can request fast tracking of their patent application. The scheme came into force on 12 May 2009.

Google widens Adword free for all

Thu, 14 May 2009 18:40:44 GMT

Google has announced that from the beginning of June 2009, it will extend its controversial Adword policy to 194 countries.

Compromise - the solution for eBay and luxury brand owners?

Thu, 14 May 2009 18:28:33 GMT

The French Tribunal de Grand Instance de Paris has ruled in the case brought by L?Oréal against eBay concerning the sale of counterfeit L?Oréal goods via the online marketplace.

Benefits of 'Cleantech' patent protection to developing and least developed nations - new report published

Thu, 14 May 2009 18:04:46 GMT

A new report commissioned by the European Commission considers the validity of claims that an increase in patenting activity relating to 'Green' technologies prevents the transfer of technology to developing or to the least developed nations.

Patent prosecution rule changes agreed by EPO

Wed, 06 May 2009 16:34:17 GMT

The Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation, which supervises the European Patent Office (EPO), has decided to make further amendments to the implementing regulations to the EPC. These changes are due to come into force on 1 April 2010.

Businesses becoming more protective of their brands in the downturn, finds new Marks & Clerk research

Tue, 05 May 2009 19:08:32 GMT

Businesses are becoming increasingly protective of their brands and are attaching greater importance to them in the recession, according to a new report by Marks & Clerk.

Peru accedes to the Patent Cooperation Treaty

Tue, 05 May 2009 18:55:03 GMT

Peru has become the 141st member state of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), with the Treaty entering into force on 6 June 2009.

Business fears counterfeiting set to increase in first digital recession finds new Marks & Clerk research

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:28:15 GMT

Businesses are concerned that counterfeiting will increase as a result of the recession, and want to see much stronger controls put in place to protect them from internet abuses, according to new research by Marks & Clerk.

Lopez wins rights over "bad faith" domains

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 22:40:55 GMT

Domain name arbitration is increasingly the vehicle for quick and cheap resolution of expensive trade mark disputes, where the trade mark is used as part of a domain name, often the principal use of the trade mark. In a recent case, the actress Jennifer Lopez succeeded in her claim before WIPO's domain name arbitration panel to recover for her charity two domains which made use of her name for commercial purposes unrelated to the charity's own activities.

CTM fees reduction - German companies again lead EU trade mark and design filing figures

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:01:05 GMT

The latest (2008) report of OHIM, the official registry which handles Community Trade Mark and Registered Community Design applications has just been published.

Dividing European patent applications ? new restrictions agreed

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:33:59 GMT

The Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation, which supervises the European Patent Office (EPO), has decided to amend the Rules concerning divisional applications. This is to stop what is perceived by the EPO as an abuse of the system.

EPO Appeal Board refuses divisional patent application for attempted double patenting

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:49:26 GMT

A European Patent Office (EPO) Technical Board of Appeal recently issued a written decision justifying its refusal of a divisional application in 2007 only on the ground that it was considered that the applicant was attempting to patent subject-matter that had been patented previously in the applicant?s parent patent.

Costs for trade mark protection across EU at all time low

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:19:14 GMT

Following the notification we sent on 4 March, OHIM have now confirmed that registration fees for Community Trade Marks (CTMs) will be abolished as of 1 May 2009. Marks & Clerk will be passing on these savings directly to our clients, meaning there has never been a more cost effective time to protect a trade mark throughout the EU.

Community Trade Mark Regulation republished with codified amendments

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:37:40 GMT

The Community Trade Mark Regulation 40/94 is being repealed and has been republished with all its amendments codified as Council Regulation No 207/2009 with effect from 13th April 2009.

NASDAQ wins in the European Court of Justice

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:19:26 GMT

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) handed down a decision in the case C-320/07 ANTARTICA vs NASDAQ STOCK EXCHANGE & OHIM and found in favour of the US financial institution.

Cyber squatting cases continue to increase

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:04:03 GMT

The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) has confirmed that a record number of cases were filed under the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Solution Policy in 2008.

Marks & Clerk converts to LLP

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:33:12 GMT

Marks & Clerk is converting from a traditional partnership structure to a limited liability partnership (LLP), with effect from 15 March 2009.

Marks & Clerk Solicitors opens branch in Cambridge

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:05:12 GMT

Marks & Clerk Solicitors has opened a new office in Cambridge. Simon Portman, previously a partner at local firm Hewitsons LLP and a well-known lawyer in the region, has been appointed to head up the new branch.

EPO goes completely ?online?

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:33:37 GMT

The European Patent Office (EPO) has introduced an extension to its software enabling online filing of opposition proceedings. All the EPO?s filing procedures can now be filed online.

OHIM to abolish final registration fees for CTMs

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:13:51 GMT

A European Commission proposal for reducing the official fees for Community Trade Marks (CTM) has been accepted. Following a late change of approach there will be a minor increase in the filing fee but the final registration fee, now aligned with the UK system, will be entirely abolished.

The House of Lords confirms enantiomers can be patentable ? sometimes

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:50:38 GMT

The House of Lords has issued its decision (Generics (UK) Limited and others v H. Lundbeck A/S [2009] UKHL 12, 25 February 2009) ending the long battle over the patentability of escitalopram. The validity of the patent was upheld.

Landmark inventor compensation claim in healthcare battle

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:39:20 GMT

In a landmark ruling in the High Court today, GE Healthcare has been ordered to pay compensation of £1.5 million to two of its former employees, for their contribution in creating a diagnostic tool for detecting heart defects. The case is the first of its kind, in which an employee inventor has successfully been awarded compensation under the UK Patents Act 1977. Marks & Clerk Solicitors acted for the employee inventors.

New fee regime at the EPO

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:46:08 GMT

On 1 April 2009, a new fee structure comes into force at the European Patent Office EPO).

ECJ ruling on repackaging parallel-imported pharmaceuticals

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:00:37 GMT

In a recent case, The Wellcome Foundation Ltd v Paranova Pharmazeutica Handels GmbH, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) was asked by an Austrian Court to give guidance on the repackaging of parallel imported pharmaceutical products. This practice is lucrative for importers who can take advantage of European law on the free movement of goods and profit from varying retail prices for the same branded products in different parts the EU.

Google sponsored keywords ? the debate rages on

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 18:05:03 GMT

Following the well publicised decision by Google in 2008 to change its sponsored keywords policy, there have been a number of recent developments that demonstrate that the question of whether third parties can safely use a competitor?s trade mark as a sponsored keyword is far from settled.

UK IPO launches new databases

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:57:09 GMT

The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has recently launched two new searchable databases providing information about certain UK patents. Both of these databases should be useful to businesses looking to commercialise technologies that they have previously identified as being covered by UK patents

WIPO offers new supplementary international search for PCT applications

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:52:24 GMT

The world Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) has announced that, as of 1 January 2009, a new supplementary international search (SIS) is available for all PCT applications.

Artist?s resale rights hit by economic downturn

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:58:18 GMT

The UK government has notified the European Commission that it intends to maintain its existing derogation from resale right for the works of deceased artists for a further two years.

Belgium to abolish the "petty patent" system

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:10:43 GMT

The Belgian government has decided to increase the legal certainty for Belgian patents by introducing a system of mandatory novelty search with written opinion (as provided by the Belgian law of 6 March 2007). As a result, proprietors and third parties will obtain important information regarding the validity of granted Belgian patents. The system is applicable to all patents issuing from applications filed on or after 1 January 2007.

Company Names Adjudicator issues first decision

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:55:34 GMT

The first decision under the provisions of Section 69(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2006 was issued in December 2008.

Patent office work - sharing initiatives announced

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:44:29 GMT

The patent offices of Europe (EPO), Japan (JPO), China (SIPO), Korea (KIPO) and the United States (USPTO) - known as the IP5 - have announced plans for greater harmonisation in the way patent applications are searched and examined.

OHIM registers 500 000th Community Trade Mark

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:54:46 GMT

OHIM, the trade marks and designs registration office of the European Union, has recently registered the 500 000th Community Trade Mark. The Community Trade Mark system was introduced in 1996 and allows trade mark proprietors to obtain protection in all 27 EU member states via a single application.

Intel case - ECJ gives guidance on dilution of well-known marks

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 19:05:00 GMT

In the recent case Intel Corporation Inc v. CPM United Kingdom Limited, the European Court of Justice (ECJ), has provided guidance for trade mark owners on what they will have to show in order to stop others from using an identical or similar mark for completely different goods or services.

Musicians triumph with UK Government u-turn on copyright term

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:08:06 GMT

Culture Secretary, Andy Burnham, has today signalled an unexpected change in the UK Government's attitude towards copyright protection for performers and producers, recommending that the term be extended to 70 years. The announcement was made at the UK Music Creators conference last week.

EPO Appeal Board upholds controversial patents for breast and ovarian cancer genetic testing

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:41:30 GMT

The EPO Board of Appeal has now upheld in amended form all three of the European Patents underlying the dominance of US company Myriad Genetics as a provider of BRCA1 gene analysis for diagnosis of susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancer.

Rejection of controversial stem cell patent fails to fully clarify law

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:42:44 GMT

Patents describing methods that of necessity involve the destruction of embryos have been explicitly prohibited in Europe. The rejection of the controversial WARF stem cell patent application by the Enlarged Board of Appeal (EBoA) of the European Patent Office (EPO) has left the field in a state of uncertainty.

Launch of new Top Level Domain ?.Tel?

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 16:40:04 GMT

On 3rd December 2008, a new top level domain name is to be launched. Unlike existing top level domains such as .com and .net, the .tel domain will allow businesses to maintain an online presence without the need to develop and maintain a website.

Directors and managers personal liability - piercing the corporate veil for infringement actions

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:08:40 GMT

The recent case of Tubzee Ltd v Safron Foods Ltd is a timely reminder that whilst the English courts are unwilling to allow liability for the acts of a limited company to pass to the company managers or directors, in cases where the directors personally control the company and procure its tortious acts, and where the company is really the vehicle for the director's personal acts, the so called "corporate veil" will be lifted.

This decision reliterates that even resignation as a director of a company will not be enough to avoid personal liability or passing off in a case where directors would otherwise be liable.

05.11.2008

ICANN plans to limit domain name tasting

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 17:37:48 GMT

ICANN, the organisation responsible for managing and administrating the Internet's domain name system, has recently put forward a plan to restrict the practice known as domain name "tasting".

Software patentability referred to Enlarged Board of Appeal

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:22:14 GMT

EPO President seeks clarification on application of patentability exclusion - Following calls made by the UK Court of Appeal in the recent Symbian case, Alison Brimelow ? President of the European Patent Office (EPO) ? has taken the controversial step of referring the issue of software patentability to the Enlarged Board of Appeal (EBoA).

Marks & Clerk Solicitors sets up associated law firm in Asia

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:32:34 GMT

Marks & Clerk Solicitors is extending its influence to Asia through the establishment of an associated Hong Kong law firm.

09.10.08

Latest Decision on UK Software Patents Rejects UK-IPO Interpretation

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:21:45 GMT

The recent Court of Appeal decision on the Symbian case has affirmed that the UK and European approaches to software patentability are fundamentally compatible. This upholds a High Court decision which had overturned the rejection by the UK-IPO of an application to patent ?Mapping dynamic link libraries in a computing device?.

08.10.08

Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo - Revalidation Procedures and Deadlines

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:15:11 GMT

Following the independence of Montenegro and Kosovo in 2006, both states have established their own Intellectual Property regimes. However, there is some uncertainty over the revalidation procedures to be followed and the deadlines to be met.

02.10.08

Company Names - New Provisions on Company Name Disputes

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:39:52 GMT

The provisions of the Companies Act 2006 that create a new procedure for objections to company names comes into effect on 1 October 2008. The new provisions are in addition to the old procedure under the Companies Act 1995.

01.10.08

Rule Changes for .uk Domain Name Disputes

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:38:28 GMT

Changes have been made to the Policy and Procedure for .uk domain name complaints filed on or after 29 July 2008. The changes mean the process for .uk domain name complaints will, for many people making a complaint, be faster and cheaper.

01.10.08

CTM fees to be cut in 2009

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:35:53 GMT

The fee for the application and registration of Community Trade Marks is set to drop significantly by mid-2009.

27.09.08

UK-IPO introduces significant changes to procedures with New Rules

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:44:43 GMT

A new set of Trade Mark Rules will come into force at the UK-IPO on 1st October 2008. These reflect significant policy changes in some areas. The changes will tighten up the examination stages by reducing time limits and providing more consistency in evidential processes.

25.09.08

London 2012 - strict restrictions for businesses

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:09:25 GMT

If your business is looking to benefit from the London Olympic Games in 2012 - seek advice first! There are strict legal restrictions in place which prevent individuals or companies from creating or suggesting any association between themselves and the Olympic Games or the Olympic movement.

28.08.08

Well-known trade marks in Beijing Olympics

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:19:45 GMT

As the Beijing Olympics comes closer, many people travelling in China remark on the larger roadside posters displaying trade marks referred to as well-known trade marks with accompanying pomp. Many of these will never have been seen outside China but command large domestic markets.
31.07.2008

Obviousness - An Outbreak of Harmony

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:35:45 GMT

Substantive patent law in Europe is largely harmonised, but its interpretation is not. Some national courts have been applying differing principles in deciding the question of obviousness. The UK's House of Lords has taken a significant step towards a consistent approach to obviousness, in the case of Conor v Angiotech.
15.07.2008

The price of luxury: 40 million euros

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:09:26 GMT

Online auction site eBay suffered the latest in a series of court defeats this week, with the Paris commercial court awarding over 40 million euros in damages to six companies belonging to the Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy group ("LVMH").
04.07.2008

.london, .football, .marksandclerk...? - New domain names available as ICANN votes to relax domain name rules

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:13:21 GMT

ICANN, the internet regulator, has recently approved proposals to expand the number of top-level domain names available for use. The internet is regulated by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers ("ICANN"). ICANN is responsible for organising top level domain names ("TLDs"), such as .com, .org, .uk etc.
01.07.2008

Interim decision casts doubt on certainty of claim construction

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:40:03 GMT

A patentee was granted an interim injunction preventing a generics manufacturer from launching a competing pharmaceutical product, on the grounds that it would suffer the greater injustice and the trial date was less than 12 months away. The Court considered that it was seriously arguable that a court was not bound by a previous court's construction of a patent specification where the earlier conclusion depended on evidence which was not present in the first case or different in the new case.

25.06.2008

"Busted" out of court

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:57:45 GMT

Two former members of the boy band "Busted" have lost their case in the High Court. The claimants, Ki McPhail and Owen Doyle, argued that they were put under undue influence to sign away their rights to four songs. They also argued that the group consisting of the four original band members was a "partnership" and as such rights to the songs should be considered "partnership property". They sought £10 million in song royalties.
23.06.2008

O2's bubble has finally burst

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:06:16 GMT

On 12 June 2008, the ECJ published its ruling on O2's long running dispute with Hutchinson 3G ("H3G"), relating to H3G's use of O2's "bubbles" trade mark in price-comparison advertisements. The ECJ held that a trade mark owner will not be able to prevent a third party from using its trade mark provided that all the conditions in the Comparative Advertising Directive are met.
18.06.2008

Funding pressures threaten future drug development, finds new Marks & Clerk research

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:45:00 GMT

Risk aversion from investors is posing a serious threat to drug development, according to the latest annual biotechnology report by Marks & Clerk. The research identifies a number of unique challenges currently facing the biotech sector which are adversely affecting investment.
16.06.2008

Use on goods of decoration similar to a trade mark may infringe rights in Europe

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 17:36:53 GMT

It is common to see sporting goods trade marks with design elements - examples include the Adidas three stripes, the Puma device and the Nike "swish".
02.06.2008

Radical reform of UK consumer laws now in place impacts on IP owners

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:03:06 GMT

The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 came into force on 26 May 2008, implementing the EU's Unfair Commercial Practices Directive into UK law in place of most of the UK's old Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and the Consumer Protection Act 1987. The intention is that the Regulations will provide similar or greater protection to these laws.
02.06.2008

Counterfeiting activity increases in EU but help is available

Fri, 23 May 2008 15:05:22 GMT

The European Commission has published (on 19^th May 2008) the latest data on the Customs seizures of counterfeit goods at the EU's external border for 2007. There was an increase of over 17% in EU customs activity on counterfeits in the last year, authorities registering over 43,000 cases of fake goods seized at the EU's external borders, compared to 37,000 in 2006.

Community designs ? Jimmy Choo handbags innocent infringer

Fri, 23 May 2008 15:01:56 GMT

Unwitting infringers of Community design rights can no longer argue innocence as a defence to a damages claim after a judge recently agreed with Jimmy Choo that such infringers are liable to financial penalties.

Dosage regime claims now allowable and enforceable in the UK

Fri, 23 May 2008 14:45:34 GMT

Marking a clear u-turn in approach, the UK Court of Appeal recently held that Swiss form dosage regime claims will no longer automatically be held invalid, bringing the UK practice right back in line with that of the EPO. Until now, the UK courts were bound to follow an earlier Court of Appeal decision given in 2000 (BMS Taxol) which held that new dosage regimes, without more, were not patentable, a decision now clearly at odds with current EPO case law.

Google changes its trade mark policy

Thu, 15 May 2008 16:09:56 GMT

Google has revised its position on the use of trade marks as sponsored keywords by third parties to advertise their web sites on the Google search engine.
15.05.2008

Court of Appeal calls time on attempts to prevent transit of goods through the EU

Tue, 13 May 2008 13:33:16 GMT

In a recent case in the Court of Appeal Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) were unsuccessful in obtaining an Injunction to prevent 8PM Chemists (8PM) from transporting goods first put on the market in Turkey by Lilly through the UK to Canada. The case shed some light on the interpretation of the terms "import" and "export" in relation to trade mark infringement.
13.05.2008

New criminal laws on comparative advertising come into force

Tue, 13 May 2008 13:15:18 GMT

On 26 May 2008 the UK?s Business Protection from Misleading Marketing Regulations come into force, which implement the EU?s Misleading and Comparative Advertising Directive.
12.05.2008

Gilead Sciences, Inc. file an Appeal against the Decision of the Comptroller

Tue, 13 May 2008 12:46:07 GMT

Gilead Sciences, Inc. have filed an Appeal against the Decision of the Comptroller (O/006/08) to refuse their application for an SPC for a combination of active substances on the basis that the combination is not ?protected by a basic patent? as required by Article 3(1)(a) of the SPC Regulation.

Access to Chinese patent information made easier

Wed, 07 May 2008 16:15:57 GMT

In an attempt to make access easier to the ever growing number of Chinese patent applications, the Chinese State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) has announced the launch of a free test version of online machine translation of Chinese patents into English.
07.05.2008

New light shed on "trade circles" in EU and UK design law

Wed, 07 May 2008 15:16:46 GMT

The novelty and individual character of registered and unregistered Community Designs (under Article 7 of the Community Designs Regulation) and of UK registered designs (under s1B(6)(a) of the Registered Designs Act 1949 as amended) ? which determines their validity and scope of protection ? depend on the state of knowledge of prior designs on the part of ?the circles specialised in the sector concerned operating within the Community?.
07.05.2008

Change to EPO reinstatement rules remains ambiguous

Fri, 02 May 2008 17:42:18 GMT

One recent consequence of the adoption of the revisions to the European Patent Convention (EPC) made in the EPC 2000 has been that the European Patent Office (EPO) withdrew its reservation under Rule 49.6(f) PCT, and so now rule 49.6 PCT does apply to Euro-PCT applications. Reinstatement of this kind was already possible before the UKIPO as designated or elected office under PCT (but based on UK Law reinstatement provisions ? The UKIPO has maintained its reservation under Rule 49.6(f) PCT).
02.05.2008

THERE AIN'T NO F IN JUSTICE held to be a trade mark in the UK - after Appeal

Fri, 02 May 2008 15:01:22 GMT

Is there any justice at the UK Intellectual Property Office?

At one stage, the Applicant for registration of THERE AIN'T NO F IN JUSTICE as a trade mark thought there wasn't.
02.05.2008

London Agreement in Force - the end of expensive translations?

Thu, 01 May 2008 10:23:51 GMT

Today, May 1st 2008, the London Agreement finally comes into force, heralding a new era of cheaper patents across Europe. For European Patents granted from today, a number of the expensive translation requirements occurring at the grant stage will no longer be necessary, and small and large businesses alike can now expect savings of up to 40% during the national validation stage of obtaining a European Patent.
01.05.2008

Community Design law - not all good news?

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:00:18 GMT

A series of well reported recent victories for fashion designers against UK high street clothes and shoes retailers suggest that either the high street stores are becoming more reckless in their copying or that designers and their lawyers feel more confident of success under the Community design laws than used to be the case using the UK copyright and design right laws. Most of these cases have settled rather than going to a final decision.
25.04.2008

UK IPO launches new searchable Patents Journal

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:32:16 GMT

On 2 April 2008 the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) launched a new electronic Patents Journal service to replace the Patents & Designs Journal.
23.04.2008

Depressing result for generics as insufficiency test clarified in favour of patentee

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:02:55 GMT

The Court of Appeal has clarified insufficiency and has curtailed the application and scope of so-called "Biogen Insufficiency". This decision will be seen as a continued softening of the UK courts' attitude towards patentees.
18.04.2008

GARY BROOKER and ONWARD MUSIC LTD v MATTHEW FISHER (2008) - Court of Appeal Decision [2008] EWCA Civ 287

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:56:13 GMT

"A Whiter Shade of Pale" is placed high in lists of the greatest songs of all time and achieved cult status. Procol Harum's record in May 1967 was an instant success and generated huge record sales.
14.04.2008

No USPTO rule changes

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:22:03 GMT

On 1 April 2008, a federal judge in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia handed down his decision in respect of the US Patent Office's (USPTO) proposed Rule changes for which GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) had obtained a preliminary injunction. The Rule changes proposed by the USPTO included limitations with respect to the number of continuation applications that could be filed before the USPTO, in addition to limitation to the number of claims contained within a single patent application. Further information on these Rule changes can be found in our report of the GSK injunction in November 2007.
03.04.2008

End in sight for claiming alternatives in the US

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:55:00 GMT

There was much excitement in the second half of 2007 over the proposed US law changes relating to limiting the number of continuation applications and requests for continued examinations. Such rule changes would make it harder and more expensive to obtain broad protection for inventions in the US. An injunction was obtained by GSK at the 11th hour (see http://www.marks-clerk.com/attorneys/news_one.aspx?newsid=148). We expect to receive confirmation as to whether or not these rule changes will go ahead later this year.
28.03.2008

Tech innovation rewarded: UK patent practice moves closer to Europe

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:38:46 GMT

The High Court yesterday made a key decision concerning "business method" patents, overturning a previous ruling by the UK International Property Office (UK-IPO). This follows in the wake of another significant judgment this week, where a software patent was granted to IT provider, Symbian, at Appeal. The patent application had been earlier rejected by the UK-IPO.
20.03.2008

EU: No progress on the Community Patent

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:46:05 GMT

The Community patent briefly became the subject of political debate once again when the Slovenian EU presidency renewed efforts to create an EU-wide patent system prior to the EU spring summit on 13 / 14 March 2008. This initiative was promptly published on the EPO's website.
19.03.2008

Decisive victory for UK software patents

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:00:35 GMT

A key decision by the High Court has been made today in favour of software patents, overturning an earlier decision at the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK-IPO).
18.03.2008

English court delivers first ruling on search engine keywords

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 10:36:18 GMT

A recent High Court decision on a summary judgment application has considered the application of trade mark infringement law to the use by internet search engines of trade mark protected terms as keywords.
18.03.2008

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:11:52 GMT

The European Commission has been looking at ways to enhance Europe's position as a world leading centre of the knowledge economy. A key proposal is the creation of a European Institute of Innovation and Technology (the 'EIT'). This actually forms part of the implementation of the LISBON STRATEGY FOR GROWTH AND JOBS, launched at the Lisbon Summit in March 2000.
13.03.2008

US Patent Office refusing more patents than ever before

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:19:41 GMT

The allowance rate for US patents is currently 44%, compared to allowance rates in excess of 70% just eight years ago. Further, over the past few years, the percentage of Appeals which are at least partially unsuccessful has increased from 51% to 69%. This is at a time when the USPTO is examining record numbers of patent applications - over 362,000 in 2007.
13.03.2008

Grey goods - UK courts make issue black and white for the time being

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 11:34:38 GMT

The Court of Appeal of England & Wales handed down its decision in Boehringer Ingelheim KG and Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma KG v Swingward Limited [2008] EWCA Civ 83.
03.03.2008

US to Review Practice on Business Method Patents

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:49:54 GMT

To date, the US Patent Office has allowed many patents to business methods which would be refused by other patent offices as relating to a method which is not eligible for patent protection.
28.02.2008

Claims to computer programs allowable once more in the UK

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:49:17 GMT

The UK Intellectual Property Office (UK-IPO) has issued a new Practice Notice setting out a change in its approach in relation to claims directed to computer programs. The UK-IPO has reversed their current practice and will now allow claims to computer programs.
27.02.2008

Parallel UK revocation action and European Patent Office (EPO) Opposition: guidance from the Appeal Court on refusal to stay revocation

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 11:55:12 GMT

The recently issued Appeal Court Decision in Glaxo Group Ltd v Genentech Inc. has provided guidelines for use where an application is made to stay national revocation proceedings in the light of a pending EPO opposition to the same patent. Interestingly, the Appeal Court saw this issue of sufficient importance that they agreed to supply a written decision in the unusual circumstance that Genentech had consented to revocation early on in the appeal.
27.02.2008

UK R&D tax credits to rise - but new time limits on claims

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:47:00 GMT

UK taxpaying clients should re-examine their entitlement to R&D Tax credits when changes to the UK tax regime come into force in April. However action is required even before then to maximise past reliefs.
12.02.08

European Court offers opinion on comparative advertisements

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:35:16 GMT

The Advocate General has recently issued his opinion in the case of O2 Holdings v. Hutchison 3G.
12.02.08

Important OHIM change of practice - Search Reports

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:13:36 GMT

From 10 March 2008 the cost of filing a Community trade mark application will still include a search of the Community trade mark register itself and these searches will be considered and reported to you, as before.
12.02.08 updated 22.02.08

France ratifies London Agreement

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:50:33 GMT

Entry into force
France has finally deposited its instrument of ratification with the German Ministry of Justice in Berlin. In accordance with the terms of the London Agreement, the commencement date is now set as 01 May 2008. This means that any patent having grant date of 01 May, or later, will benefit.
06.02.08

Marks & Clerk announces new Chairman

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 16:53:35 GMT

Marks & Clerk announces the appointment of Partner Keith Hodkinson as Chairman of the Marks & Clerk International Board of Management. Keith takes over from Chris Gibson, who has chosen to stand down after nine years in the role and who will remain as Senior Partner.

Government announces new fast track service for trade mark applications

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:24:38 GMT

The government has announced a new fast track service for trade mark applications. The accelerated service will be launched on 6 April 2008 and be available to users at an additional cost of £300 in official fees.

EPO announces important changes to fees and filing procedure

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 16:42:01 GMT

The European Patent Office (EPO) has announced two rounds of fee increases to take effect on 1 April 2008 and 1 April 2009 respectively.

Lacoste loses crocodile trade mark row - Marks & Clerk represents victorious dental practice

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:39:52 GMT

French fashion brand Lacoste has lost a trade mark dispute with a Gloucestershire dental practice, in a row over its iconic crocodile logo.