IP Law Watch – Legal issues, law and regulations concerning the world of IP

Changes In the Service of Documents Regarding Non-Use Cancellation Against International Registrations

Jul 20 2026

On 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.

USPTO Director Defines “Exceptional Circumstances” for Director Review—and Terminates Three IPRs

Jun 23 2026

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.

The “Showgirl” Showdown: What the Taylor Swift Lawsuit Reveals About Creative Expression, Trademarks, and Commercial Identity

Jun 22 2026

Taylor 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’.

The UK Sporting Events Bill 2026—A New Playbook for Major Events?

Jun 02 2026

The 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).

High Court “Zips” Up Honest Concurrent Use

May 18 2026

In 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”.

Artificial Intelligence and Copyright: Where Does the United Kingdom Stand?

Apr 23 2026

The 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.

Dividing and Conquering: Best Method Obligations Follow Every Divisional Patent Application

Apr 15 2026

In an important decision, the Full Federal Court in The NOCO Company v Brown and Watson International¹ 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.

USPTO Introduces Patent Owner Pre Order Submission on SNQ in Ex Parte Reexam

Apr 07 2026

In 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).

Fame Isn’t Everything: Australian Designer Trumps Popstar After Long-Running KATY/KATIE PERRY Trade Mark Dispute

Mar 19 2026

The 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).

US Design Patents and ITC Enforcement: Are Design Patents the Most Interesting Intellectual Property Asset in ITC Investigations?

Mar 07 2026

A 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.