This week on MIP: UPC confusion; metaverse TMs surge

April 06 2023

Luxembourg city, view of the Old Town and Grund — Luxembourg, site of UPC HQ

We provide a rundown of Managing IP’s news and analysis coverage from the week, and review what’s been happening elsewhere in IP

Attorneys told to go it alone despite UPC opt-out confusion

There will be no further guidance from court officials on the unitary patent opt-out procedure and attorneys must interpret the rules for themselves.

That was the message from Unified Patent Court (UPC) registrar Alexander Ramsay on Tuesday, April 4. Ramsay was responding to repeated requests for clarification on aspects of the UPC Rules of Procedure.

But some patent attorneys say they are still confused about how to fill in the form to opt patents out of the new system.

Click here to read the full story.

UKIPO updates metaverse guidance to meet surging demand

The UKIPO published new guidance on how to obtain metaverse and non-fungible token trademarks on Tuesday, April 4, amid a surge in filings since 2014.

The guidance specifies the terms applicants must use to gain trademark protection for NFT and metaverse-related goods and services.

Click here to read the full story.

Elsewhere in IP

Amazon reports anti-counterfeiting success

Amazon hailed strong anti-counterfeiting results in its latest Brand Protection Report, published on Tuesday, April 4. The e-commerce platform claimed it removed six million counterfeits from the supply chain in 2022. The Seattle-based tech conglomerate has previously faced sharp criticism from brand owners over the availability of counterfeit goods on the platform.

Meta antitrust probe

The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) is investigating Meta for abuse of its position in the music rights sector, it confirmed on Wednesday, April 5. The probe is based on Meta’s conduct during royalty negotiations with the Italian Society of Authors and Publishers (SIAE). Meta removed all SIAE works from its platforms on March 16 after it failed to reach a deal with the group. The AGCM said Meta may have unduly terminated the discussions and also withheld the info the SIAE needed.

Inaugural EPO results

More than 150 candidates passed the first European patent administration certification exams, the EPO announced on Monday, April 3. Four-fifths (85%) of candidates were women. The EPO set up the qualification to let paralegals, patent administrators and formalities officers demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

EUIPO praises its performance

The EUIPO performed well over the past five years, it claimed in a new report published on Thursday, April 5. The purpose of the report was to highlight the EUIPO’s achievements from 2018 to 2022. Successes included the EUIPO’s response to the COVID pandemic and the expansion of digital tools.

That's it for today, see you again next week.