News

Of a Dame and the King (of Beer): when an indefinite trade mark licence can end

Of a Dame and the King (of Beer) – An indefinite trade mark licence doesn’t necessarily last forever and the termination of a long-running commercial arrangement doesn’t necessarily require a long period of notice to be “reasonable”.

Recent decisions from the UK Court of Appeal and the Privy Council highlight that an “indefinite” trade mark licence does not necessarily last forever and may be terminated on reasonable notice.

Process patents, product patents, or trade secrets? Choosing the right IP strategy in chemical manufacturing

Many of the most valuable advances in chemical manufacturing happen quietly, in process design, catalyst choice, and scale up know how rather than in new compounds.

Many innovations in chemical manufacturing come from process improvements rather than new molecules. A clear IP strategy helps protect that know how and support growth from lab to plant.

How can patents and designs maximise the value of a fashion business?

When people think about intellectual property in fashion, they often think first about branding.

Fashion businesses often create real value through materials, construction and design features, but many miss the chance to protect it

The UK cyber security market in 2026: growth, investment and the road to 2031

The UK cyber security market is entering a defining growth phase.

The UK cyber security market is moving into a critical growth phase, driven by rising threat levels, tighter regulation and the reality that cyber resilience is now a core business requirement.

How can trade marks maximise the value of a fashion brand?

A fashion brand can spend years building recognition in a name, only to discover too late that the name was never properly secured.

A fashion brand can spend years building recognition in a name, only to discover too late that the name was never properly secured.

How to prepare your IP for debt finance lending

As more lenders embrace the value of intangible assets, intellectual property (IP) has emerged as a powerful lever for companies seeking debt financing.

As more lenders embrace the value of intangible assets, intellectual property (IP) has emerged as a powerful lever for companies seeking debt financing.

Can you use IP as collateral to secure debt financing as your business develops?

Securing debt finance is rarely straightforward, particularly for businesses that are pivoting, diversifying or launching new product lines.

A well‑protected IP portfolio can provide real security, helping businesses access debt finance even where traditional assets are limited.‍

Branding in sportstech: why brand is now a strategic advantage

Sportstech is moving fast. New platforms, devices, data tools and fan experiences are reshaping how sport is played, watched and commercialised.

In a sportstech market where innovation is the baseline rather than the differentiator, brand has become the decisive factor in how technologies are understood, trusted and chosen.

How can trade secrets maximise the value of a fashion business?

Not all valuable IP in fashion is visible on the hanger, stitched into the label or obvious from the finished product.

Some of the most valuable assets in a fashion business are not visible in the finished product but sit quietly behind the scenes, such as manufacturing know how, technical processes and sourcing intelligence.

AI cyber security strategy in 2026: innovation, risk, and IP

AI is reshaping cyber security at pace, accelerating both attack and defence.

AI is rapidly transforming both cyber attacks and cyber‑defence, making it essential for innovators to adopt a strategic approach to protecting AI‑driven cybersecurity technologies.

What happens if someone opposes your trade mark?

As a UK trade mark attorney, one of the most common and often most stressful situations my clients face is when their application for a trade mark is opposed, or they receive a Notice of Threatened Opposition (a Form TM7a).

Does being brand led drive growth?

Growing evidence shows that a brand‑led approach can be a powerful driver of stronger, long‑term business growth.

Being brand‑led helps a company grow because people remember and trust brands that tell clear, emotional stories. Protecting the brand with trade marks makes sure the value created through marketing stays safe from copycats.‍

How Potter Clarkson augments patent excellence with AI

At Potter Clarkson, we are fully focused on delivering on one promise: to maximise the value of innovation.

A German court rules that AI-generated designs do not benefit from copyright protection

In order that a design or other work can be protected by copyright in the EU and UK, it must be original in the sense of involving a human author’s making of creative choices such that their personality finds its expression in the work.

What is the difference between intellectual property rights and intellectual capital?

In today’s increasingly knowledge-driven economy, intangible assets often matter more than the more traditional physical ones with companies competing with ideas, innovation and knowhow rather than with factories, machinery or ‘product’ alone.

Why IP matters in biochar: protecting and commercialising innovation in Europe’s fastest growing carbon removal sector

As Europe accelerates toward a net zero future, few climate solutions have seen momentum quite like biochar.