• Africa IP Highlights #3: Patents and reforms in IP policy, legislation and administration

    http://ipkitten.blogspot.com/2021/12/africa-ip-highlights-3-patents-and.html This post is the third and final installment in the “Africa IP Highlights 2021 series” of posts highlighting some of the key developments in IP in Africa in 2021. The first 2 posts covered copyright and trade marks. As previously stated, the series is the result of collaboration between... Continue reading

     
  • Africa IP Highlights #2: The trademarks arena

    http://ipkitten.blogspot.com/2021/12/africa-ip-highlights-2-trademarks-arena.html Yesterday, it was all about key developments in the copyright field in the Africa IP Highlights 2021 – the result of collaboration between myself and several IP practitioners and researchers across Africa: Caroline Wanjiru Muchiri (Centre for IP and IT Law, Strathmore University, Kenya); Ekene Chuks-Okeke (Banwo & Ighodalo,... Continue reading

     
  • General Court: no absolute protection for symbols of particular public interest

    http://ipkitten.blogspot.com/2021/12/general-court-no-absolute-protection.html Kat friend Jan Jacobi reports on a consequential decision by the General Court on official symbols. Official symbols are generally protected under articles 7(1)(h) and 7(1)(i) EUTMR. Article 7(1)(h) applies to symbols that are registered with and listed by WIPO, such as flags, state emblems and hallmarks. Article 7(1)(i)... Continue reading

     
  • Africa IP highlights 2021 #1: The copyright field

    http://ipkitten.blogspot.com/2021/12/africa-ip-highlights-2021-1-copyright.html It’s December and time for what is now an annual ritual for this Africa Correspondent – The Africa IP Highlights! The Africa IP Highlights is an initiative of this Kat and is a series of posts put together to highlight some of the key developments in IP in Africa... Continue reading

     
  • [Opinion] Can an AI system be an inventor ?

    http://ipkitten.blogspot.com/2021/12/opinion-can-ai-system-be-inventor.html The AmeriKat braces for the takeover of the machines….or more likely not… There has been much headline ink spilled on the question of AI-inventorship in the IP press and beyond.  Kat friends Professor Kelvin FK Low (National University of Singapore), Professor Wai Yee Wan (City University of Hong Kong)... Continue reading

     
  • T-254/20: who owns the Soviet brands?

    http://ipkitten.blogspot.com/2021/12/t-25420-who-owns-soviet-brands.html In October 2021, the General Court (GC) issued the ruling in T-254/20, Roshen v EUIPO, which drew the attention of this Ukrainian Kat. Louis-Michel enjoys researching Soviet brands The dispute arose when “Krasny Oktyabr”, a Russian confectionary company, registered an EU trade mark (EUTM) in Class 30 for a... Continue reading

     
  • The SPC alphabet: Are combination product SPCs precluded by Article 3(a), (c) and/or (d)?

    http://ipkitten.blogspot.com/2021/12/the-spc-alphabet-are-combination.html A new referral to the CJEU from the Finish Market Court seeks clarification on the interpretation of Article 3(c) of the SPC Regulation with respect to combination products. It might be doubted whether the referral will have much meaningful impact, given the major hurdles to combination product SPC protection... Continue reading

     
  • Around the IP Blogs

    http://ipkitten.blogspot.com/2021/12/around-ip-blogs_12.html Another week, another review of the latest news from the surrounding IP blogs! TRADE MARKS The China National Intellectual Administration (CNIPA) recently published the new guidelines for trade mark examination procedures. The new guidelines cover topics such as formality examination and procedures for trade mark applications, oppositions, declarations of... Continue reading

     
  • Sunday Surprises

    http://ipkitten.blogspot.com/2021/12/sunday-surprises.html Hope all of you Kat friends are having a good weekend.  This Kat has been scrolling around for the latest events and opportunities.    EVENTS The Federal Circuit Historical Society “Beyond the Madame Curie Complex: A Retrospective on Women and Gender in Stem” (14 December 2021) On 14 December... Continue reading

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

    http://ipkitten.blogspot.com/2021/12/never-too-late-if-you-missed-ipkat-last.html Although this Kat struggled to understand the mysterious energies from last week’s moon eclipse, the stars and the planets have aligned to bring you the latest posts from the Katworld.   A Kat contemplating the complex beauty of the universe Copyright Adele has stolen the spotlight with her new album... Continue reading