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Preparations for the trade mark opposition procedure in Italy are in full swing.

Icann’s final Applicant Guidebook for new gTLDs, released today, offers few new concessions to the interests of trade mark owners

A significant number of developing economies have, of late, mustered up the courage to antagonise multinational pharmaceutical companies by issuing compulsory licences. The rationale for this is concern over the public health. As is well recognised, compulsory licences are effective instruments to provide access to expensive drugs. It is interesting to note the overlap between compulsory licensing and data exclusivity. Although these are two distinct concepts, the former may be considered an exception to the latter.

Last year’s European Patent Office rule changes are playing out better in practice than many feared. Richard Howson cautiously predicts that the office is becoming more user-friendly

David Ehrlich reveals some lesser-known uses of US trade marks that could keep foreign trade mark owners from having their US rights wiped out

In-house counsel tell Simon Crompton how their IP outsourcing to India has grown, to encompass everything from docketing to patent drafting. And a survey of the top providers compares their services

Since the start of the BEST programme (Bringing Examination and Search Together) oral proceedings in examination and opposition can be held both in The Hague and in Munich, whereas formerly these proceedings could only be performed in Munich. The Technical Board of Appeal has recently issued two decisions on the question of whether a party's request to conduct oral proceedings in Munich instead of in The Hague can be denied. In T0933/10, the original request was refused by the examining division. On appeal, the Board said that the examining division did not provide any reasons for its decision. Also, the arguments of the applicant were not dealt with by the examination division. Therefore, the Board decided that a substantial procedural violation had taken place and that the appeal fee should be reimbursed. The case was remitted to the examining division to enable issuing a new decision (with motivation). However, the Board did not indicate that the applicant's request regarding the venue of oral proceedings should be allowed.

When is it worth using the PCT, PPHs or just filing nationally?

A letter released today by US commerce secretary Gary Locke fell short of endorsing the House version of patent reform (HR-1249) completely

The two countries that are not taking part in enhanced cooperation have launched a court challenge against the planned EU unitary patent system