The IPKat BLOG – OPUS IP

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Greek court finds that similar GIs and plant variety names can lawfully coexist in Kalamata Olives decision

http://ipkitten.blogspot.com/2024/12/greek-court-finds-that-similar-gis-and.html Earlier this year, the Greek Council of State (Συμβούλιο της Επικρατείας) had the opportunity to consider the relationship between plant variety names and geographical indications (GIs). The decision was handed down on the 2nd of April 2024 (Case No. 428/2024), but has just been translated into English and published... Continue reading
In: The IPKat BLOG

IPKat Book of the Year Awards 2024

http://ipkitten.blogspot.com/2024/12/ipkat-book-of-year-awards-2024.html The IPKat is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2024 Book of the Year Awards, continuing its cherished end-of-year tradition! Now in its seventh edition, the award allows the Kat community to choose their favourite books in the following six categories: Patents Copyright (including related rights and performers’... Continue reading
In: The IPKat BLOG

Never Too Late: If you missed the IPKat last week!

http://ipkitten.blogspot.com/2024/12/never-too-late-if-you-missed-ipkat-last_18.html Starting the week with exciting news, here is what you might have missed! Join Us! The IPKat has started taking applications for GuestKat and InternKat positions. The deadline for applying to be a GuestKat and InternKat is Monday, 20 January (midnight GMT). For more details, check out our post... Continue reading
In: The IPKat BLOG

[Guest post] NEWSFLASH – The UK’s New Consultation on AI and Copyright: Purr-suing Balance?

http://ipkitten.blogspot.com/2024/12/guest-post-newsflash-uks-new.html Earlier today, the UK Government launched a public consultation on copyright and Artificial Intelligence (AI), including unlicensed text and data mining (TDM) and computer-generated outputs. Katfriends Phil Sherrell and Toby Bond (both Bird & Bird) explain what this is all about. Here’s what they say: NEWSFLASH – The UK’s... Continue reading
In: The IPKat BLOG

EUIPO’s Board of Appeal: Motion mark for an opening window lacks distinctiveness and only shows a technical process

http://ipkitten.blogspot.com/2024/12/euipos-board-of-appeal-motion-mark-for.html Motion marks are assessed against the same standards as traditional types of marks. This means that simple movements of common objects are unlikely to be considered distinctive. They may even show technical features, which cannot be protected as trade marks, as a recent decision of the Board of Appeal... Continue reading
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EUIPO Grand Board finds ‘MARICON PERDIDO’ to be contrary to accepted principles of morality

http://ipkitten.blogspot.com/2024/12/euipo-grand-board-finds-maricon-perdido.html Can the Spanish phrase ‘MARICON PERDIDO’, which roughly translates as ‘hopeless faggot’, be registered as a trade mark in relation to goods and services in the entertainment sector? Not according to the Grand Board of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), which held (R 2307/2020‑G) such an application... Continue reading
In: The IPKat BLOG

New French draft law on AI: Generated or not generated, that is the question

http://ipkitten.blogspot.com/2024/12/new-french-draft-law-on-ai-generated-or.html The subject of AI is pervasive to such an extent that it is impossible to avoid its influence [latest developments here , here, here or here]. Readers may recall that this Kat reported on the existence of a lacklustre draft law aimed at establishing a French copyright framework for... Continue reading
In: The IPKat BLOG

Friday Fantasies

http://ipkitten.blogspot.com/2024/12/friday-fantasies.html Already busy guarding the Christmas tree Another working week is coming to an end and, as usual, it’s time to catch up with events and opportunities in the IP world. Do take a look below and do not forget to regularly check our Events page as well! Events Artificial... Continue reading
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[Guest post] Scope of protection? For ages, the French IP Code in misstep with Designs Directive

http://ipkitten.blogspot.com/2024/12/guest-post-scope-of-protection-for-ages.html The IPKat has received and is pleased to host the following guest contribution by Katfriend Henning Hartwig (Bardehle Pagenberg, Munich) on what appears a rather disturbing imbalance that he discovered when looking at how the French legislator adopted the provisions of the Directive 98/71/EC of the European Parliament and... Continue reading
In: The IPKat BLOG

Katcall: Openings for GuestKats and InternKats!

http://ipkitten.blogspot.com/2024/12/katcall-openings-for-guestkat-and.html Are you passionate about IP? We have exciting news for you! The IPKat is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for GuestKat posts and looking for IP enthusiasts to fill InternKat positions. GuestKat and InternKat positions are six months (with the possibility of extension), and there are no geographical restrictions... Continue reading