Legal issues, law, and regulations concerning the world of IP.
In 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.
Read MoreIn an Official Gazette notice dated 1 April 2026, the USPTO announced a new procedure allowing patent owners to submit a limited “pre order” paper addressing whether a third party ex parte reexamination request raises a Substantial New Question (SNQ) of patentability under 35 U.S.C. § 303(a).
Read MoreThe High Court of Australia has handed down its highly anticipated decision in Taylor v Killer Queen LLC [2026] HCA 5 in a narrow 3-2 majority, ending a decade-long trade mark battle between American pop star Katy Perry (born Katheryn Hudson) and Australian fashion designer Katie Taylor (born Katie Perry).
Read MoreA recent final determination in Investigation No. 337-TA-1400 issued by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) may have some clients saying, “I don’t always seek ITC enforcement. But when I do, I prefer to include a design patent.” GoPro, Inc. had alleged that Arashi Vision, Inc. d/b/a Insta360 (Insta 360) infringed claims of five different utility patents and one design patent.
Read MoreThe Federal Court of Australia has delivered a landmark decision in McCallum v Projector Films1, finding that general moral rights waivers for copyright works are not enforceable.
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