News

IP primer for scientist-founders

Confession time! When I first started this job I had very little knowledge about intellectual property (IP) and patents. Despite spending 15 years of my life in academia, pursuing degrees, a PhD, and postdoctoral research in the field of 'proper' science, IP was never on my radar. Commercialisation was never a topic for discussion. Shockingly, IP was never given significance.

AI-generated music and copyright conundrums

Google and Universal Music are, according to the Financial Times, in negotiations which may lead to the development of a platform whose users can create AI-generated music under licence, allowing them to utilise the voices and (for want of a better term) "style" of Universal artists.

UKIPO publishes summary of responses to SEPs questionnaire for SMEs

UKIPO publishes outcome of call for views on SEPs and innovation

The UK Intellectual Property Office, UKIPO, has published the outcome of a call for views on Standard Essential Patents, SEPs, and innovation, the purpose of which - as part of the UKIPO’s broader aim to support innovation - was to gather evidence on whether the ecosystem around SEPs is functioning efficiently and effectively and strikes the right balance for all entities involved.

IP in software: What is the best way to protect software (part 2)?

Another alternative to patents is trade secrets.

IP in software: What is the best way to protect software (part 1)?

Sometimes copyright can offer a more effective way to protect software than patents. Copyright and patents are different forms of intellectual property and help protect creations in different ways.

IP in software: What is the best way to protect software (part 1)?

Sometimes copyright can offer a more effective way to protect software than patents. Copyright and patents are different forms of intellectual property and help protect creations in different ways.

Frequently asked questions about the end of the Ten-Day Rule

On 14 October 2022, the European Patent Office (EPO) announced the upcoming end of the so-called “Ten-Day Rule” for calculating deadlines triggered by EPO notifications such as office actions.

Navigating SPCs: the Windsor Framework

The House of Lords Sub-Committee on the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland released its report on the Windsor Framework on 25 July 2023. In case you missed it, we summarise below how the Framework will affect the valuable intellectual property rights known as Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs) in the UK.

Taco John's abandons 'Taco Tuesday' trade mark in Taco Bell dispute

Taco John's have abandoned their effort to trade mark the phrase 'Taco Tuesday' ending their highly publicised trade mark dispute with Taco Bell.

IP in software: The importance of software protection from a commercial perspective

Deciding when to patent and when to keep your information confidential can be a tricky decision.

How can a business deal with counterfeiting?

Developing and building a new brand is one of the most exciting things any business can do. However, it is not without risks, particularly in this digital age. As soon as a brand hits the internet, it is at immediate risk of being copied, misused and mis-sold in an increasingly diverse range of ways. With this in mind, how can a business deal with counterfeiting?

IP in software: How can you identify a patentable software-based invention?

A good start-point for identifying patentable software-based inventions is to understand the effect of the output of your software.

Managing IP IP STARS 2023

Potter Clarkson has achieved remarkable recognition in Managing IP's IP STARS 2023.

Intellectual property and the metaverse: what can be patented?

Patenting in relation to the metaverse is experiencing an upward trend driven by tech giants such as Apple, Microsoft, and Meta.

Using trade secrets to protect software and software-based innovations

While a patent is often regarded as the ‘gold standard’ of protection for inventions, patents are not always the best option when it comes to software.