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From Israel to Nigeria, governments are shaping a new interest in high-tech industries. But they need to sort out IP enforcement first, reports Emily Downes

The Supreme Court has put the brakes on the ever-expanding scope of trade dress protection. David Fleming says the Wal-Mart decision will increase the burden on plaintiffs, and mean more reliance on design and copyright protection

The State Council announced on December 28 2002 the amendments to the Implementing Regulations of the Patent Law which became effective on February 1 2003. The new amendments effectively extend the time limit within which PCT applications under Chapter I can enter the national phase in China to 30 months (from the priority date) from 20 months previously. In accordance with the amendments, the subject extension shall only apply to a PCT application designating China where its 20-month time limit has not expired as of February 1 2003.

The past year has seen some blockbuster trade mark disputes in the European Court of Justice, which have overshadowed important decisions in national courts. Jeremy Phillips reviews some of the most interesting cases in France, Italy, the UK and the Benelux

Companies are increasingly acknowledging domain names as an essential element of their IP portfolio. Jonathan Robinson looks at the threats to digital IP from cybersquatting, and offers some strategies for protecting against and recovering from damaging infringements

A guide to registration practice across Europe

Small businesses in the UK fail to leverage their trade marks to access the capital markets, new research has revealed.

In Société de Produits Nestlé SA v Unilever plc (December 18 2002, Jacob J), Unilever applied to register two trade marks relating to Vienetta ice cream, one with white wavy structure on top (the white mark) and the other with dark wavy structure (the dark mark).

? EU: All member states are obliged to adopt new laws to deter computer hacking and the spreading of computer viruses. The new criminal offence - illegal access to, and illegal interference with an information system - can carry up to two years jail in serious cases.

The importance of some biotech inventions makes them strong candidates for compulsory licensing. Reinhardt Schuster and Clemens Rübel examine when such licences can be granted and contrast the approach taken in different countries