Automatically clustered newsroom coverage around one of the most active themes in the intellectual property ecosystem.
The UK government has provided an updated overview of the design registration process, highlighting key stages and timelines. Applicants can expect a Designs Examiner to review their submissions within approximately 20 working days. The timeline serves as a guide to help applicants understand their responsibilities an…
The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has published comprehensive guidance on the examination process, objection responses, and post-registration procedures for registered designs. Key points include response periods for objections, hearing rights, withdrawal protocols, and marking requirements to protect design…
The UK Intellectual Property Office has published an extensive practice guide addressing absolute grounds for refusal under the Registered Designs Act (RDA). The guidance elaborates on key concepts such as design appearance, product definition, protection of partial designs, color representation, and the treatment of…
The latest figures released by Big Furniture Group demonstrate a notable surge in the design economy. This growth reflects the sector's rising contribution to economic development and innovation worldwide. The data underscores the importance of design-driven industries and their role in shaping market trends and intel…
On 26 April 2023, the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) updated its online form used to confirm convention country priority claims in UK registered design applications. The revision includes an additional end page featuring a comprehensive checklist and detailed sending instructions, alongside enhanced explanato…
Thailand's Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) released its IP filing statistics for January to June 2026, revealing a steady increase in patent applications and significant gains in patent grants. Foreign entities dominate invention patent filings, particularly in pharmaceuticals and communications, whereas pet…
China has revised its regulations governing the protection of integrated circuit (IC) layout-designs, reflecting its commitment to enhancing innovation and aligning its IP framework with international practices. These changes come as China continues to evolve from a manufacturing hub into a global innovation center, u…
Bahrain has officially acceded to the Locarno Agreement, a pivotal international treaty governing the classification of industrial designs. This strategic move strengthens Bahrain’s intellectual property framework, aligning it with global norms to support innovation, creativity, and investment. The country is concurre…
China’s updated integrated-circuit layout design regulations, effective October 15, introduce punitive damages up to five times losses for intentional infringement and enable chip design IP to be pledged as loan collateral. These changes strengthen legal protections and commercial viability for domestic chip designers…
As imitation products that cleverly replicate design elements flood South Korea's online markets, the National Assembly has introduced legislative amendments to the Design Protection Act. These changes aim to establish a robust online monitoring system and empower the Korean Intellectual Property Office to swiftly inv…
Malaysia is advancing a comprehensive update to its Copyright Act 1987 to tackle challenges from artificial intelligence, online piracy, and evolving creative sectors. The Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) has released a public consultation document proposing measures including AI transparency rule…
The UAE recorded 17,217 trademark registrations in the first half of 2026 and officially joined the Locarno Agreement, enhancing its industrial design protections. Patent applications rose 12%, and intellectual works registrations increased by over 35%, reflecting the country’s commitment to advancing its intellectual…
Hungary’s National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NRDIO) has announced its Industrial Property Protection Funding program for 2026. The initiative provides financial assistance to legal entities within the European Economic Area that maintain a branch in Hungary, supporting a wide range of intellectual p…
Greece has bolstered its anti-counterfeiting enforcement framework by strengthening border controls, expanding online marketplace monitoring, and implementing EU directives such as the Digital Services Act. Key agencies including DIMEA, Customs, and the Hellenic Police coordinate closely with EU bodies like EUIPO and…
Dr. Philipp Mels, an authority on AI legal frameworks, discusses the multifaceted legal landscape surrounding AI development and use. He emphasizes the paramount importance of intellectual property rights, trade secret protection, and data privacy compliance alongside the AI Act. Mels outlines key stages where compani…
In a landmark ruling dated August 1, 2024, the Turkish Competition Authority (TCA) has ordered the withdrawal of a registered three-dimensional (3D) trademark and related design rights, finding that the right owner abused its dominant market position to exclude competitors. The decision, which also imposes monetary sa…
Design rights are gaining prominence alongside patents and trademarks, with international filings through the Hague Agreement increasing significantly. This article explores the latest trends in EU and global design registrations, highlights key jurisdictions and applicants, and outlines practical guidance on leveragi…
This article details the legislative landscape governing design protection in Spain for 2026, including the Spanish Design Act, relevant implementing regulations, and the interplay with European Union design laws. It outlines the registration requirements, grounds for refusal, and enforcement mechanisms under Spanish…
The 49th session of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation’s Administrative Council convened in Accra, highlighting Ghana’s strides in intellectual property reforms. Attorney General Dr Dominic Ayine emphasized initiatives to register key local products as geographical indications and the country’s co…
Saudi Arabia’s intellectual property landscape demonstrates strong momentum in the first half of 2025, with patent applications rising 23% to 4,928 and trademark filings increasing 15% to 27,938. The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property reports parallel growth in design and copyright registrations, reflecting enh…
Greece has established dedicated digital enforcement units to address the increasing prevalence of counterfeit products online. Leveraging a comprehensive legal framework aligned with EU directives, Greek authorities are enhancing border controls and inter-agency coordination to intercept counterfeit goods entering th…
Herbert Smith Freehills lawyers provide guidance on how design rights owners can navigate the significant changes underway in EU design law. The reforms represent the most extensive transformation in design protection within the European Union, requiring proactive measures from businesses to safeguard their intellectu…
The 5th Annual Africa Intellectual Property Rights Summit will take place from November 28 to 30, 2024, at the M Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda. Organized by the African Intellectual Property Centre, the event will gather diverse stakeholders to explore how intellectual property rights can drive innovation, economic growth,…
Entertainment company EOne has filed lawsuits against Vietnam’s Sconnect, alleging that the popular cartoon Wolfoo infringes on Peppa Pig’s trademark and copyrights. The case underscores Vietnam’s gradual progress in intellectual property enforcement, driven by international trade agreements and recent legal amendment…
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