This week on MIP: UPC confusion; metaverse TMs surge

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This week on MIP: UPC confusion; metaverse TMs surge

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.

Other articles published by Managing IP this week include:

EU faces battle for tech supremacy amid SEP overhaul

In-house divided over Kathi Vidal's policy as she marks USPTO anniversary

Design lawyers face bumps amid USPTO hiring spree

Weekly take: John Lewis dragon battle shows hollowness of copyright wins

Monthly report: March 2023’s exclusive content

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.

more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

A new foundation in Chile is giving women in the IP community the mentorship, and visibility they’ve long lacked
The EUIPO is keen to stress the benefits of mediation as a means of resolving IP disputes, but do roadblocks remain?
Åsa Gustafson, global patent paralegal manager at Zacco, provides insight into the world of a paralegal, explains how she keeps abreast of legal developments, and reveals a passion for weaving
Alif Gultom and Andrew Diamond of Januar Jahja & Partners explain why Indonesia must adopt reforms against bad-faith filings and safeguard its trademark system for the future
In the third episode of a podcast series celebrating the tenth anniversary of IP Inclusive, we discuss the ‘Women in IP’ network and the current state of diversity within the profession
Practitioners, including two ex USPTO directors, say the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act could restore clarity and predictability to US patent law, though concerns remain
News of an alliance between two Malaysian law firms and the launch of a self-help video aimed at supporting IP professionals through menopause were also among the top talking points
Speakers at the EUIPO’s IP Mediation Conference discussed how lawyers can act in tandem with clients during mediation, and the importance of showing a united front
A report that revealed top legal LinkedIn influencers are generating hundreds of thousands in advertising value is the push lawyers need to up their social media presence
Speakers at the EUIPO’s Mediation Conference say mediation can offer a ‘cathartic’ and effective alternative to litigation that IP owners should consider
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