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IP is often regarded as a hidden asset. Larry Cohen and Guy Madewell explain how to manage intangible assets efficiently, and examine whether recent reforms make the UK a potential IP headquarters

In E-Toyo Global Stationery v Toyo Ink [2005], the first respondent was the registered proprietor of the trade mark Toyo in Class 16 and had been the registered proprietor since 1979. In 2002, the first respondent entered into a registered user agreement with the second respondent to use the Toyo mark. In 2004, a third party (not a party to this action) became a registered user and gained a licence to use the Toyo mark by way of a novation cum registered user agreement with the first respondent. The applicant alleged that as a result of the 2002 registered user agreement, an act of so-called "trafficking" had been committed.

The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) has issued a revised set of examination guidelines for computer-related inventions. The revised guidelines came into effect on April 15 2005.

By their nature, life science companies are among the more IP-dependent businesses in the corporate world. Any transactions, therefore, will require a more thorough due diligence than is the norm. Paul M Booth and Leslie Mooi outline 10 things you should know about such a company before deciding to invest in, or acquire, it

On their face, transfer prices can have dangerous implications for potential damages claims in infringement cases. Phillip Beutel, Bryan Ray and Steven Schwartz outline what in-house counsel need to know to avoid pitfalls

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).

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.

The attention to branding and the importance of trade marks has become a reality in the Middle East and, more specifically, the UAE. This includes brand owners' awareness of the role their brands can play in revenue generation and it is also reflected in the approach to registrability being adopted by the various trade mark registries in the region. One particular aspect relates to new categories of trade marks being reviewed for allowance for the first time. This includes colour combinations, but also a formerly difficult area: character representation registration.

A company in Singapore that imports and distributes healthcare and lifestyle-related products, OTO Bodycare (OTO), recently won its trade mark infringement and passing off suit against a businessman, Hiew Keat Foong, in a case concerning electrical foot massage machines.

On March 4, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs announced a proposal known as the Intellectual Property Rights Strategic Modernization Plan, which was developed in close co-operation with the EU. Covering every aspect of IP rights, including marketing and the legal framework, the blueprint aims to improve Malaysia's capacity to enforce IP rights properly and to sanction any IP infringements effectively. Plans include developing special courts to hear IP disputes, and training lawyers and judges in IP issues. The Ministry expects the plan will bring Malaysia's IP infrastructure quickly in line with that found in countries such as the UK and Japan.