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Under the European Patent Convention (EPC) divisional applications can be filed. Cascading divisional applications are also allowed. The divisional application must be filed within the time period set out in Rule 25, that is at the latest on the day before grant or rejection (unless the appeal is successful) of the previous (generation divisional) application. Further, although the EPC does not intend to allow it, there is no provision against double patenting.

Ben Moshinsky, London

Owning a market-leading product or innovation is useless if you fail to keep your competitors from copying you. Daniel S Drapeau and George R Locke of Ogilvy Renault outline the most effective options available to rights owners

The scope of IP protection in the biotechnology and life sciences sectors in Canada and the extent that such IP rights may preserve market exclusivity has been shaped by a number of recent authoritative judicial decisions. Arthur Renaud and Martin Kratz of Bennett Jones look at two areas that have particularly been shaped by the courts

As General Counsel for one of Canada's most successful companies, Richard Brait's focus is as much global as local. He tells Sam Mamudi how his company handles its IP portfolio

Will the introduction of post-grant opposition provide greater opportunities to patent challengers in the US? A letter from John P Sutton

An effective and efficient patent application process is the first step in building a valuable portfolio. Eugene J Gierczak and Daryl W Schnurr of Miller Thomson explain Canada's patent framework

One of the most high profile initiatives within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the government's support of the media and broadcasting industries. For example, Dubai Media City (DMC) is generally considered an enormous success. In the four years since its creation, DMC has firmly established itself as the media hub of the region. With approximately one thousand companies from over 45 countries, it is described on the government's website as "a vibrant mix of talent and resources". And they're probably right.

In October 2005, the Provincial Appellate Court of Madrid gave an interesting judgment in an action that Lilly Group had brought against two companies in the business of selling generic products. The judgment confirmed that these companies' advertising was illegal and that there was trade mark infringement. The judgment is particularly noteworthy as high damages were awarded compared to what is usual in Spain.

If you are a big pharmaceutical company, spending millions of dollars to manage your intellectual property every year, you will want to find the best lawyers to advise you on prosecution and litigation matters. But as Susanne Sivborg, vice-president of global intellectual property at AstraZeneca, tells Stéphanie Bodoni, the most experienced lawyers are no good if they do not respond to her company's needs