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A decision by the European Court of Justice could undermine the language regime of Community trade marks (CTMs), leading to extra costs and possible delays.

Vietnam's politicians have set themselves an ambitious programme of legislative reform to bring the country’s intellectual property regime closer in line with international norms. Nguyen T Hong Hai examines the government's plans

Some months ago, we reported on Re Gilead Sciences, a UK Intellectual Property Office decision that provided guidance on when a supplementary protection certificate (SPC) can be granted in respect of a combination product. In particular, the decision provided guidance on when this type of medicinal product is "protected" by a basic patent in force, as is required by Article 3(a) of Council Regulation 1768/92, before an SPC can be granted. That decision has now been overturned in the High Court.

This case relates to the opposition proceedings against application no 4-2006-003016 for the trade mark Dynaspec in the name of Kobelco Construction Machinery Co, Ltd, of Japan, covering goods in Class 7 such as power shovels, hydraulic excavators and other construction machines and apparatus. The opposition was filed by Dynapac International AB, of Malmo which owned the mark Dynapac for goods in classes 7 and 9, registered in the Philippines under trade mark registration no 029723 issued on August 4 1981 and renewed on August 6 2001, alleging confusing similarity.

In Mexico, the Mexican Trademark Office (TMO) has been reluctant to grant registrations for composite trade marks, especially those involving the protection of the shape of bottles. Arguably, this is because the TMO improperly focuses its analysis solely on the shape of the bottle, without studying the collection of elements as a whole.

Selma Toplu Ünlü and Özge Atilgan of Mehmet Gün & Partners outline the likelihood of confusion and the relevant public in the world of pharmaceutical trade marks

Riza Ferhan Cagirgan of Gur Law Firm discusses the development of IP litigation in a developing country

Aydin Deris and Okan Çan of Deris Patents and Trademark Agency and Deris Law Office outline Turkish trade mark rights enforcement procedure and recent legislative developments

A monthly column devoted to IP curiosities and controversies, named in honour of John of Utynam – who received the world’s first recorded patent in 1449

James Nurton, London