Archive:June 2026

1
USPTO Director Defines “Exceptional Circumstances” for Director Review—and Terminates Three IPRs
2
The “Showgirl” Showdown: What the Taylor Swift Lawsuit Reveals About Creative Expression, Trademarks, and Commercial Identity
3
The UK Sporting Events Bill 2026—A New Playbook for Major Events?

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

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.

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

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’.

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

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).

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