A biosimilar is defined by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) as: "a biological medicine highly similar to another biological medicine already approved in the EU...

A recent decision from the EPO's Boards of Appeal (T 0702/20) provides a practical example of where the boundary lies in terms of patent eligibility of AI algorithms at the EPO.

2025 was an immensely busy year for the UPC and saw key additions to the case law of the developing Court, helping to define its remit and approach to evidence and process.

Comparable UK trade marks are marks that were automatically created on 1 January 2021 as a result of Brexit: when the UK left the EU, the UK Intellectual Property Office...

The German Utility Model provides a strategic alternative to standard patent protection, offering unexamined IP rights for technical inventions with fast registration and flexible enforcement options. This protection mechanism features unique advantages including narrower prior art definitions, grace periods for applicant disclosures, and the powerful branch-off application feature that allows derivation from pending patent applications.

The World Intellectual Property Organisation has announced that Jersey will become an independent designation under the Madrid System for international trade mark registration from August 2026. This significant change means UK designations will no longer automatically cover Jersey, requiring brand owners to take specific action to maintain protection across both territories. Portfolio managers and brand owners with interests in this leading offshore finance hub will need to understand the implications for t

Welcome to 2025! This new year marks 100 years since the publication of certain seminal works on quantum mechanics, a theory which has transformed our understanding of the world around us.

The European Patent Office (EPO) annually recognises exceptional individuals whose inventions are making a significant contribution across sectors to drive technological progress, improve our health, protect our planet...

In 2019, the EUIPO's Cancellation Division raised some eyebrows in the trade marks world when they revoked in full the BIG MAC trade mark held McDonald's International Property Company Ltd...

The European Patent Office faces a critical procedural question: should patent descriptions be consulted when interpreting claims for added subject matter assessments, following the precedent set in G 1/24? A new referral to the Enlarged Board of Appeal seeks clarity on claim interpretation methodology and the conditions for admissible referrals.

The coffee industry seeks to improve energy efficiency in freeze-drying and spray-drying processes due to high costs and environmental impact, with innovations focusing on reducing energy consumption and maintaining product quality.

Previously, we reported the preliminary opinion of the Advocate General (AG); a summary of the background of the two cases and a discussion of the AG's opinion can be found here.

On the 1 June 2023, the Unified Patent Court (UPC) opened its doors for business and some of the first customers were hungry for the revocation of life sciences patents.

The proceedings brought by Estée Lauder Companies against Jo Malone CBE, her fragrance brand Jo Loves and retailer Zara highlight a recurring issue in brand ownership...

The food industry has historically relied heavily on trade secrets and trademarks for protection. However, the filing of food-related patent applications is steadily increasing.

Last year, my colleague Ross Chapman reported the latest on the ongoing description amendments saga at the EPO (link). This appeal case, T56/21, considered the requirement to amend the description to correspond with the claims before grant.

Earlier this year, the European Patent Office (EPO) released the Patent Index 2024 , offering a detailed overview of the latest trends and statistics in patent filings.

Brief summary: For the purpose of overall procedural efficiency, the UPC's Court of First Instance has granted an extension to the deadline for a Defendant to file a statement of defence...

The UK IPO updated its AI patentability guidelines following the High Court's Emotional Perception AI ruling, narrowing exclusions for ANNs but maintaining restrictions on business methods. An appeal is pending.

The transitional period for the Unified Patent Court (UPC) was initiated on 1 June 2023, the same date as the entry into force of the UPC Agreement.