News

The latest insights, sector developments and case updates from Potter Clarkson. Explore up-to-date content from our experts and stay informed on the issues shaping the IP landscape.

Adjusting the hurdles: UK Supreme Court backs European test for software inventions

Adjusting the hurdles: UK Supreme Court backs European test for software inventions

On 11 February, the UK Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling in Emotional Perception AI Limited v Comptroller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks¹ that reshapes UK practice on the assessment of computer-implemented inventions, aligning it with the European Patent Office’s long-standing approach.

Artificial Intelligence
Software
Electronics & Computing
Patents
Branding in fashion: why brand is now the ultimate strategic advantage for fashion entrepreneurs

Branding in fashion: why brand is now the ultimate strategic advantage for fashion entrepreneurs

Fashion is one of the fastest moving industries in the world. Trends shift in days, new brands appear every week and consumers are smarter, more selective and more values driven than ever before.

Fashion & Apparel
Brand Strategy
Trade Marks
Brand Clearance
Can I appeal an EPO opposition decison?

Can I appeal an EPO opposition decision?

A decision of the EPO Opposition Division (OD) can be appealed, but only by a party who took part in the opposition proceedings and is adversely affected by the decision.

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EPO Oppositions
EPO opposition vs appeal

EPO opposition vs appeal

An EPO opposition and an EPO appeal are distinct procedures, each with its own character, timetable, evidential rules, and decision-making body.

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EPO Oppositions
From sketch to store, don't let anyone cut from your cloth

From sketch to store, don't let anyone cut from your cloth

The reason you started your business was to bring your garments, materials and manufacturing innovations to market so the largest possible number of people can enjoy them.

Fashion & Apparel
IP Strategy
Trade Marks
Designs
Potter Clarkson recognised in WTR 1000 2026 rankings

Potter Clarkson recognised in WTR 1000 2026 rankings

Potter Clarkson is delighted to announce its inclusion in the 2026 edition of the World Trademark Review (WTR) 1000, a leading global guide that highlights the world’s top trade mark professionals and firms.

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startups

The EUIPO SME fund: a guide for SMEs

The Ideas Powered for Business SME Fund is a grant scheme designed to assist EU and Ukraine-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in protecting their intellectual property (IP) rights.

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Patents
Trade Marks
Designs
IP Strategy
13th edition of the Nice Classification now in force

13th edition of the Nice Classification now in force

The latest edition of the Nice Classification, the international system used to classify goods and services for trade mark registration, entered into force on 1 January 2026.

Artificial Intelligence
Fashion & Apparel
FMCG
Trade Marks
EU trilogue opens regulatory pathway for plants developed using new genomic techniques (NGTs) to the benefit of agritech and foodtech innovators

EU trilogue opens regulatory pathway for plants developed using new genomic techniques (NGTs) to the benefit of agritech and foodtech innovators

In December 2025, EU lawmakers reached a provisional agreement on the long-anticipated regulation of plants developed using so-called new genomic techniques (NGTs) such as targeted mutagenesis and cisgenesis that enable plant breeders to make precise changes to a plant’s genome without introducing foreign genetic material.

Food & Agritech
Biotech
Patents
Sportstech and IP frontier: how do you protecting sportstech innovation in the digital age?

Sportstech and the IP frontier: how do you protect sportstech innovation in the digital age?

In 2025, the global sports industry stands at a pivotal crossroads.

Sportstech
Kick-StartiP
IP Audits
IP Strategy
The European Parliament and Council reach provisional agreement on the EU “Pharma Package”

The European Parliament and Council reach provisional agreement on the EU “pharma package”

In a significant milestone, the European Parliament and Council reached a provisional agreement on the EU “pharma package” on 11th December 2025.

Life Sciences
SPCs & Regulatory
.MOBILE domain has launched: what you need to know as a brand owner

.MOBILE domain has launched: what you need to know as a brand owner

The new .MOBILE domain has launched opening up a major opportunity for brands operating in mobile-focused sectors. As digital experiences continue shifting toward mobile-first engagement, this new domain extension represents more than just another naming option. It represents a strategic investment in the future of your online identity.

Communications
Software
Trade Marks
How can you protect your brand against dupe culture?

How can you protect your brand against dupe culture?

Counterfeits have always come with their own vocabulary. Over the last few years words like “knockoffs,” “reps” or “replicas” and even - somewhat cheekily - “inspired” have been eclipsed by “dupes”. It’s a well-chosen term.

Fashion & Apparel
Brand Enforcement
iProvidence
Going undercover – strawman oppositions at the European Patent Office (EPO)

Going undercover – strawman oppositions at the European Patent Office (EPO)

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EPO Oppositions
Patents
SPC Waiver: no MA? UK says ok

SPC Waiver: no MA? UK says ok

First UK ruling on SPC manufacturing waivers aligns with EU case law trends and rejects restrictive German approach.

Life Sciences
SPCs & Regulatory
Series trade marks and rising official fees: why businesses should act now

Series trade marks and rising official fees: why businesses should act now

Strong branding is what makes your products or services stand out: distinctive names, logos, and designs are key to building recognition and trust. Protecting that identity through trade marks is essential. But big changes are coming at the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) that every business should know about.

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Trade Marks
Brand Clearance
Brand Strategy