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For many years the English patents judges have striven to reduce costs and time to trial in patent cases. The streamlined procedure introduced in 2003 is the latest such move. It is proving a great success. Although the procedure was primarily intended for use in smaller patent cases, the flexibility afforded to judges in the way that they can manage cases has influenced the conduct of all patent litigation. Actions are now coming to trial in shorter periods of time (nine months to trial is not uncommon), and trials are shorter in duration. Two recent cases may be seen as indicators of the increasing use of the procedure, and a further shift toward more flexible and efficient patent litigation.

Milan Chromecek and Olivier Banchereau of Lovells provide a detailed guide to France's trade mark enforcement system, including tips on how to use the courts, what damages are available and how to intercept infringers

EU enlargement has increased the practical difficulties for patent owners and decision makers to get or refuse a compulsory licence request in Hungary. Michael Lantos of Danubia Patent & Trademark Attorneys outlines the potential hurdles of the system and how it can be used to enforce one's rights

Research into stem cells is leading to new demands on the patent system - and provoking resistance from protesters. Members of FICPI's Biotech Committee Helene Fagerlin, David Bannerman, Lola Bartoszewicz and Danny Huntington survey the latest developments in the US, Europe and elsewhere

A number of recent cases have addressed the breadth of protection for patents in the UK, Germany and Japan. Ewan Nettleton, Alex Wilson, Julian Eberhardt and Hirokazu Honda examine the consequences for inventive improvements and ask how far international practice is harmonized

Michael Koch and R N Gnanapragasam of Ella Cheong Spruson & Ferguson explain how patentees can make use of the recent Patent Law changes in Singapore

Hans Bottema of Nederlandsch Octrooibureau outlines issues of extraterritorial contributory infringement in the Netherlands under GAT v LuK

Wragge & Co partner Gordon Harris looks at recent developments at the ECJ, focusing in particular on deliberations in the O2 and H3G case

The Saudi Trade Mark Law sets out the rights of a trade mark owner in Saudi Arabia against infringement. Since the law provides protection against infringement only for registered trade marks in Saudi Arabia, unregistered trade marks cannot be enforced. Administrative and legal actions are available against trade mark infringement in Saudi Arabia.

Stephen Mulrenan, London