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Stéphanie Bodoni, London

Some of the best inventions are the simplest ones. The invention often lies in finding a neat solution to a well-known problem. Unfortunately, when patent lawyers and the (English) courts assess the differences between the invention and the prior art, the simplicity of an invention can sometimes be lost by focussing on the detail. A recent decision from the Court of Appeal, which upheld the validity of a relatively simple patent, is of note, particularly the comments made by Lord Justice Jacob on the "obvious to try" test (Saint-Gobain PAM SA v (1) Fusion Provida Limited (2) Electrosteel Castings Limited [2004] EWHC 2469 (Ch)).

Nederlandsch Octrooibureau, The Hague

In January 2005 alone, it is estimated that file-swappers illegally traded more than 1 billion songs online. As the entertainment industry awaits a ruling on file sharing from the US Supreme Court, Giles Pratt explores the likely UK approach

On November 30 2004, the Senate sent for revision to the Lower Chamber of Representatives (Cámara de Diputados) a Decree to amend the Mexican Industrial Property Law. Among other amendments, the Decree includes amendments to Article 142 of the Law.

James Nurton, London

Questions of patentability are at the forefront of IP law in the Andean countries. Gabriela Nuñez argues that international pharmaceutical companies have gone too far in seeking protection in three recent cases

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

In mid-2003, China relaxed its policy on trade mark agencies, making it much easier to set one up. At the moment, no special qualifications are required to run an agency. For example, a trade mark agency does not need to have any qualified trade mark agents or other professionals. In fact there have been no public trade mark agent examinations held since 2000.

On February 28 2005 the German law implementing EU Directive 98/44/EC on the legal protection of biotech inventions entered into force. It included a new sub-section 4 in §1a) of the German Patent Act which represents a departure from the absolute compound protection for naturally occurring human DNA sequences.