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The European Commission has recently published a proposal for a Directive amending Directive 98/71/EC on registered designs by harmonizing the position in respect of spare parts. A spare part is a component part used for the repair of a product composed of multiple components, a so-called complex product, to restore its original appearance. Examples of such spare parts include car body panels, bumpers and windscreens which need to match the component being replaced. The proposal covers all repairable complex products, including household devices and electronic goods as well as cars.

On June 5 1998, the applicant filed an application for a Community trade mark at OHIM for a figurative sign consisting of the letter a (see figure 1).

In July 2004, the Beijing Administration for Industry and Commerce (AIC) issued a notice banning certain markets in Beijing (notorious for selling counterfeit clothing and accessories) from selling any goods bearing the brands Louis Vuitton, Prada, Chanel and Burberry. Any goods found there bearing any of these four brands would be deemed counterfeits on the assumption that any genuine versions would only be sold through exclusive outlets. Repeat offenders would be required to leave the market, and the authorities threatened to sanction the market owners if the rules were not followed.

Australia: In a report of Crown copyright, the Copyright Law Review Committee recommended that the government repeal special provisions that give it ownership of copyright. It also urged the government to remove copyright protection from materials such as judgments and legislation.

Hitachi produces a diverse range of products from home appliances to consumer finance and semiconductors. Last year MIP included the head of the company's IP team, Yasuo Sakuta, in its list of 50 most influential people in IP for his innovative work helping Hitachi extract revenue from its IP assets. Here he explains more about the company's approach to IP

A monthly column devoted to the curiosities and controversies of the IP world

The past year has seen a flurry of judicial activity across Asia as countries try to boost their IP courts. Emma Barraclough considers the latest developments, and how they will benefit IP owners

What do brand owners want? For the second year running, MIP set out to find out by polling representatives of a cross section of companies worldwide. James Nurton introduces the findings of the annual trade mark poll, while MIP reporters analyze some of the key trends revealed

James Nurton, London

James Nurton, London and Sam Mamudi, New York