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A unique practice of the Singapore Trade Marks Registry in relation to the colour features of marks may be of interest to prospective applicants of trade marks in Singapore.

Under the Mexican Industrial Property Law trade names are published rather than registered, as happens with service marks. The difference between a publication and a registration basically consists in the rights derived from the legislation. While the exclusive right to use a service mark is granted only by means of a registration, a trade name does not require a registration to produce legal effects against third parties. Indeed, according to the Law, trade names are protected by virtue of their use without the benefit of a registration. The purpose of the publication is only to establish a presumption of good faith in the adoption and use of the trade name. Accordingly, use of a trade name is essential to produce its legal effects.

Foreign attorneys or applicants frequently ask about Korea's examination environment. One of the most frequently asked questions is how long it takes to grant a patent for an application.

? US: A California court has cleared biotech company Genentech of patent infringement in a dispute with rival Chiron over a breast cancer drug.

Ralph Cunningham, Hong Kong

Ingrid Hering, London

Unlike many countries, image rights are not available in the UK. Guy Veysey analyzes the latest developments in this field and asks whether celebrities’ images can be protected using other IP rights

Patent reform may be required to deal with technological development. But the strength of enforcement measures will always be the key for patent owners. An effective litigation system is one method available to them, writes Ralph Cunningham

The UK Copyright Directorate launched a consultation on the implementation of the EU Copyright Directive (the Directive) into UK law on August 7 2002. The Directive entered into force on July 22 2001 and member states are required to transpose it into domestic law by December 2002. The aim of the Directive is to harmonize rights in certain key areas, in particular to deal with the challenges of the internet, e-commerce and digital technology.

Pursuant to the law it is not possible to reserve a company name in Poland. No register of company names is run in our country. However, a company name can be recorded in the National Court register along with data about the company (including, for instance, the nature of the company, such as a limited liability partnership or a joint stock company). Only companies domiciled in Poland can be recorded in the National Court register.