A Reminder To Get Claims Right For Computer-Implemented Methods Of Modelling

Article 50 of the EU AI Act introduces sweeping transparency obligations for AI providers and deployers, requiring disclosure of AI interactions, marking of AI-generated content, and labeling of deepfakes. These rules carry significant commercial and IP implications for businesses using AI to create marketing materials, synthetic influencers, and other valuable assets.

Generative AI has created a legal vacuum where synthetic images and deepfakes can be created and shared without consent, yet English law offers no standalone "image right" to protect individuals. With celebrities like Lisa Riley and over 80 performers demanding reform, the question is whether the UK's patchwork of intellectual property, data protection, and common law protections can adequately address this rapidly evolving threat to personal autonomy and reputation.

As AI voice cloning technology becomes increasingly sophisticated and accessible, the Save Our Voices Now campaign calls for statutory rights allowing individuals to own and control their voice as intellectual property. This article examines whether existing UK law sufficiently protects one of our most personal and recognisable attributes, exploring copyright, trade marks, passing off, and the practical steps individuals and businesses can take.

The UK High Court has delivered a landmark ruling on online marketplace liability, dismissing Shein's copyright infringement claims against Temu and clarifying when platforms can be held responsible for third-party content. The judgment examines the boundaries of copyright ownership in complex supply chains and establishes important precedents for how marketplace operators should respond to infringement allegations.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has convened the Creative Industries AI Summit in Manchester to bring together rightsholders, regulators, platforms and AI labs to align on a common approach to copyright-protected works in AI development. The Summit will unveil the 'Manchester Principles', a framework establishing minimum conditions for using human creative work to train generative AI models.

The Emotional Perception saga has become a defining case for patenting AI inventions in the UK. Most significantly, the Supreme Court judgement1 of February 2026 has reformed the examination of mixed-typed inventions in general, i.e. inventions containing a ‘mixture’ of technical and non-technical features.

The UPC Court of Appeal has confirmed that the Unified Patent Court can exercise jurisdiction over European patent applications, provided they are granted before the defendant files their statement of defence. This landmark decision means patent holders may now be locked into the UPC system even before their patents are officially granted, fundamentally changing the strategic timing considerations for opting out of UPC jurisdiction.

The ongoing commercial rivalry between fast-fashion giants Shein and Temu has evolved into one of the most significant intellectual property disputes in the e-commerce sector. This landmark case examines critical questions about copyright ownership, platform liability, and the legal responsibilities of online marketplaces in the digital age.

Trademark phishing campaigns are rising, with businesses increasingly being targeted by highly sophisticated, AI-driven trademark scams. Alice Wright analyses a prominent registration scam recently circulating in the UK to offer advice on how to identify trademark scams, what immediate steps to take if targeted, and how to proactively protect your business through legitimate channels.

Understanding the financial commitment of patent maintenance is essential for long-term IP protection. UK patents require annual renewal fees starting four years after filing, with costs increasing progressively each year.

The UPC Court of Appeal has confirmed that actions can be commenced before a European patent application is granted, fundamentally changing the strategic calculus for patent applicants considering opt-out decisions. This ruling in Omnia v Sidel establishes that the window between publication and grant is no longer a safe period free from UPC jurisdiction risks. Patent owners who wish to avoid UPC litigation must now act swiftly after application publication to preserve their opt-out rights.

The EPO's guidelines clarify patentability for machine learning (ML) and AI inventions. ML algorithms are considered mathematical methods, typically not patentable unless tied to a specific technical effect. Context, such as application within hardware or specific data, enhances patent eligibility.

The UK-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement introduces groundbreaking provisions for pharmaceutical and biotech innovation, establishing explicit commitments to maintain IP rights and regulatory exclusivity for medicinal products. This enhanced deal creates mechanisms for cross-border partnerships while ensuring seamless mobility of expertise between two global life sciences leaders.

The United Arab Emirates has lifted its longstanding restrictions on trade mark applications for alcoholic beverages, marking a significant shift in intellectual property policy. This development opens new opportunities for brand owners in the beverages and hospitality sectors to secure direct protection for their alcohol brands and products. The change aligns the UAE more closely with international classification standards and follows similar reforms recently implemented by Qatar.

Solid-state batteries are widely regarded as one of the most promising developments in next-generation energy storage.

We have been seeing a substantial increase in misleading and scam communications targeting trade mark owners and applicants in recent months. This new wave of emails often impersonate regulated legal professionals...

When requesting unitary effect for a granted European patent, the request for unitary effect must also contain a translation of the European patent.

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) is implementing significant changes to EU design registration procedures, introducing dynamic and animated representation formats alongside traditional static views. These reforms will fundamentally alter how design applicants protect their intellectual property, from expanded visual documentation options to streamlined invalidity proceedings and new amendment mechanisms for registered designs.

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

Understanding competitor patents can be just as important as protecting your own inventions for deep-tech companies. This article explores how patent watching provides strategic intelligence during product development, helping businesses identify risks and opportunities before committing to expensive freedom-to-operate studies.