The week in IP – UPC, Qualcomm, We Shall Overcome, RPX, EPO and more

February 01 2018

Recent intellectual property news included German organisations’ support for dismissing a UPC complaint, a $26.7m patent award to Illumina, a surprising trade mark ruling in Brussels, an EU court’s ruling on a vulgar mark, “We Shall Overcome” entering the public domain, the Supreme Court’s IP docket, the EU fining Qualcomm and RPX’s potential sale. Ellie Mertens reports

Unlock this content.

The content you are trying to view is exclusive to our subscribers.

To unlock this content:

Take a Free Trial or Login

Topics

more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

Patents

Colin Birss in his office at the England and Wales High Court

A new master of the rolls: no better man for the job, say lawyers

Lawyers eagerly await news of what IP specialist Sir Colin Birss will bring to one of the England and Wales judiciary’s most important roles

July 23 2026

Sponsored content

Shipping containers in the colours of different national flags, with Argentina's at the front

Parallel imports in Argentina: practical tools for brand owners

María Aurora García of Berken IP explains how intellectual property rights holders can use customs monitoring and online enforcement tools to identify parallel imports and support compliance with consumer protection rules

María Aurora García, July 22 2026

Trademarks

A challenging jurisdiction: how SKC Law helps clients navigate Indonesia

The Jakarta-based firm says personal networks and a distinctive strategy can help it guide foreign clients through what can be a tricky IP landscape

James Nurton, July 22 2026

Patents

Pentarc signals next growth phase with first internal partner promotion

Munich litigation boutique formed by former Taylor Wessing partners continues expansion as it seeks to cement its position in the UPC market

Max Walters, July 21 2026

Patents

Drew & Napier’s new IP heads eye regional growth and AI gains

Yvonne Tang and Siau Wen Lim, the second and third IP specialists to sit on the firm’s management committee, say IP is ‘uniquely positioned’ to support cross-practice work

Sukanya Sarkar, July 21 2026

Patents

Beyond the headlines: Can clients trust the consolidated model?

As competing firms come under common ownership, clients may care less about formal conflicts and more about how openly firms discuss them

Sukanya Sarkar, July 20 2026

Patents

Flexibility is the key as firms ponder associate retention

Facing increased lateral movement and in-house competition, firms are investing in flexible billing hours and tailored career progression to improve associate retention

Sanjana Mishra, July 20 2026

Patents

US at 250: IP firms rethink the value of specialists

As the US reflects on 250 years of independence, patent lawyers say innovation is reshaping old hiring priorities, with firms seeking broader IP expertise over specialisation

Sanjana Mishra, July 17 2026

Patents

Mediation between the sides. Mediator changes the conflict through dialogue between opponents. Close the deal and sign the contract. Come to a consensus. Cooperation instead of competition

Weekly take: Has arbitration found its SEP moment?

The Nokia v Acer ruling in the UK suggests arbitration is moving from the sidelines towards the mainstream of global FRAND disputes - and could reshape forum strategy in the process

Caitlin Heard, July 17 2026

Managing IP Awards

LS Americas Awards 2026 Shortlist Announced

Life Sciences Americas Awards 2026: shortlist revealed

The Life Sciences Awards is thrilled to present the shortlist for the 2026 Americas Awards

Shailyn Tirado, July 16 2026