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In September 2011, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) to establish a joint dispute resolution procedure to facilitate the mediation of IP disputes before IPOS. The intent of this initiative was to promote mediation as an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) option within the IPOS framework, with potential advantages for international parties seeking to settle related disputes in multiple jurisdictions.

In a decision rendered by the Romanian Trademark Office (TMO) in November 2015 (communicated to the parties in March 2016), the examiners found that there is no likelihood of confusion between Mark Adams No 1 and Mark 10.

Sweden is a country well-known for its many industries and innovations and is in fact among the top five PCT filers per capita in the world. An invention is per definition a sensitive IP asset that needs to be taken care of properly. There are a number of strategic routes to choose between: should the invention be kept secret, should it be published for prophylactic purpose or should a patent application be filed? In this process of handling an IP asset many different stakeholders are involved in order to find the best strategic route. It is of great importance that discussions between an advisor, such as a patent attorney, and a client are kept secret and that a third party is hindered from accessing such information. For example, it could be especially important to keep secret previous assessments of patentability in a discovery process during a dispute.

On December 23 2015, the Official Journal of the European Union published the Directive (EU) 2015/2436 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The aim of this Directive is to reach a further harmonisation of provisions of substantive and procedural laws relating to the trade mark systems at national and EU level.

According to Taiwan's trade mark examination practice, a three-dimensional mark in the form of a product packaging container is generally considered not inherently distinctive, and is registrable only upon proof of the secondary meaning acquired through long-term and extensive use. Without such evidence, the TIPO will refuse registration of the mark or require the applicant to disclaim the exclusive right to use the packaging container if there are distinctive word and/or device elements on the packaging container.

On February 22 2016, the prime minister announced a referendum on the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, to take place on June 23 2016. In treatment typical of the UK press, this has been christened Brexit: a term rapidly accepted into general parlance within the UK but, understandably, not outside.

In April 2016, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) issued a precedential decision in Noble House Home Furnishings, LLC v Floorco Enterprises, LLC. This decision is a good reminder about the advisability of memorialising a grant of rights in situations where a company registers a mark in the name of one entity and then exploits the mark through a related entity.

Lex Machina’s Hatch-Waxman/ANDA Report reveals a spike in case filing, as well as the biggest participants and law firms in ANDA patent litigation

Recruitment process for UPC judges imminent; Code of Conduct for UPC representatives reviewed; PMAC arbitration rules agreed; EPO Select Committee discuss remaining aspects of the Unitary Patent system; our latest UPC scenario on challenging a non-opted out European patent relating to a pharmaceutical product during the transitional period; and informative webinar on Unitary Patent and UPC

The Supreme Court will consider useful articles in copyright cases and laches in patent cases after granting cert in Star Athletica v Varsity Brands and SCA Hygiene Products v First Quality Baby Products