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.

The rising tide of seaweed patents
Seaweed, once considered a humble marine plant, has emerged as a powerhouse of innovation across diverse industries. From culinary delights to environmental solutions, the versatility of seaweed continues to inspire groundbreaking inventions and drive patent filings worldwide.

Financial Times Europe’s Leading Patent Law Firms 2024
We’re pleased to announce that Potter Clarkson is included in the Financial Times' Europe's Leading Patent Law Firms 2024 list.

Reconfiguring the two-part test: Advocate General proposes SPC solution in favour of generics
An Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the EU has handed down his non-binding opinion on the interpretation of EU law about supplementary protection certificates for combination medicinal products.
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Using IP to attract investors in a FemTech company
FemTech companies are largely technology-based, consumer-centric companies that provide solutions to issues related to women's health. These companies look to improve women’s health and wellbeing across multiple female-specific conditions such as menopause, maternal health, and menstrual health.

IAM Patent 1000: The World's Leading Patent Professionals 2024
Potter Clarkson is delighted to be featured in the IAM Patent 1000: The World's Leading Patent Professionals 2024. This respected guide recognises top patent professionals worldwide after thorough research.
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UPC Court of Appeal leaves door open to parties relying on file prosecution history when construing claims
On 13 May 2024, the UPC Court of Appeal (CoA) upheld a decision of the Munich Local Division (MLD), primarily directed to the approach to claim construction. This was in the context of a preliminary injunction application brought by the patentee, which was dismissed at first instance and on appeal. In its decision, the CoA did not, however, address whether or not the file wrapper could be referred to in order to assist in interpreting patent claims in the UPC.

Foodtech start-ups lead the way in producing more sustainable alternatives to chocolate
While more sustainable products are rightfully at the vanguard of the food and drink industry, the niche that arguably needs to innovate fastest is chocolate.

Managing IP IP STARS 2024
Potter Clarkson has achieved remarkable recognition in Managing IP's IP STARS 2024.
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Initiating intellectual property claims: a lesson on avoiding unjustified threats
UK legislation has long since offered protections against frivolous or intimidatory threats of litigation, meaning that careless or ill-considered communications from IP rights holders or other invested parties could inadvertently land them in legal hot water.

Standard Essential Patents and their role in green tech evolution
Digital communication and telecoms technologies have benefited greatly from standard essential patents, reflected in their rapid development and market adoption.
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AI in fashion: use cases
Fashion Law London recently hosted a key fashion and AI event in London, covering pertinent topics surrounding fashion and AI including use cases, IP, and commercial, data and legislative considerations in this rapidly evolving landscape.
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Patenting AI inventions in the UK: An update on the Emotional Perception case
Against the backdrop of the hearing at the Court of Appeal in Comptroller-General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks (appellant) v Emotional Perception AI Ltd (respondent) - held on 14-15 May 2024 - we provide an update on patenting artificial intelligence (AI) inventions before the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO).

How can trade secrets be used to better protect cleantech innovation?
Given the range of vital global issues it is attempting to resolve, cleantech has become an enormous umbrella that sits above every scientific discipline from the most complex biotechnology through to cutting edge digital tech.

UPC grants file access to opponent in parallel EPO opposition proceedings
In the latest decision on third party access requests, the Paris Central Division ruled that a direct interest in opposition proceedings, being heard in parallel to a UPC revocation claim concerning the same patent, justifies access to evidence and pleadings filed on the Case Management System (CMS) in respect of the UPC proceedings.
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What does the future hold for flexible displays?
As seen from the various products showcased at the CES and MWC, the form factors of consumer electronic devices are constantly evolving to meet the increasing demands on this technology sector. For instance, the ubiquitousness of these devices in multiple aspects of everyday life - from curved smart devices around a home or business to wearable electronics - has seen a shift away from traditional rigid and planar form factors.
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Technology spotlight: Smart rings
One of the technologies showcased at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, CES, was smart rings, seen by various commentators as having the potential to compete with and potentially replace smart watches.



















