Legal issues, law, and regulations concerning the world of IP.
On 26 June 2026, the State Council of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) issued the revised Regulations on the Protection of Layout-Designs of Integrated Circuits (2026 Regulations), which shall come into force on 15 October 2026. The Council promulgated and implemented the current Regulations (2001 Regulations) in 2001.
Read MoreThe USPTO appears poised to finalize a significant revision to Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) practice. A final rule titled Revision to Rules of Practice Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (90 FR 48335) is currently undergoing Executive Order 12866 review (RIN: 0651-AD89), indicating that agency review has been completed and the rule is nearing publication.
Read MoreThe Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) has issued one of the most significant anti-ambush marketing decisions since Italy introduced specific legislation to protect major sporting events. The AGCM imposed fines exceeding a total of €2.5 million on six companies after concluding that their promotional activities created an unauthorized association with the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
Read MoreOn 5 June 2026, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) issued a notice for the service of documents related to “non-use cancellation” proceedings. In line with the notice, CNIPA will no longer send documents relating to non-use cancellations to the registrant of a trade mark by ordinary mail. Instead, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) will forward an electronic copy of these documents to the registrants through its electronic system.
Read MoreIn a precedential order issued 22 June 2026, USPTO Director John A. Squires took the rare step of initiating sua sponte Director Review across three inter partes review (IPR) proceedings to provide meaningful guidance on when “exceptional circumstances” justify extending the 30-day deadline to seek Director Review of an institution decision.
Read MoreTaylor Swift has long been a household name, but in recent years she has become a commercial powerhouse. It is this commercial power that landed her in hot water with the release of her album ‘The Life of a Showgirl’.
Read MoreThe UK government introduced a new Sporting Events Bill in the House of Lords on 14 May 2026 (the Bill), intending to establish a permanent UK-wide legal framework to streamline delivery of major international sporting tournaments in the United Kingdom (UK).
Read MoreIn a decision with major implications for brand strategy, the High Court of Australia has upheld a high bar for traders to adopt a brand name “honestly”.
Read MoreThe UK Government’s report on the copyright and AI consultation was recently published. While the report confirms that balancing the interests of copyrights holders and AI developers is a complex exercise, it also provides an indication of likely scenarios to consider in this fast-evolving environment.
Read MoreIn an important decision, the Full Federal Court in The NOCO Company v Brown and Watson International 1 held that the relevant date for assessing the best method known to the applicants is the filing date of each divisional application. This judgment carries significant implications for patent filing and litigation strategies, as patentees must consider the adequacy of the best method disclosures in existing and future divisional patent specifications.
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