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Intellectual Property (IP) Law

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A uniform system of protection of intellectual property rights, ranging from industrial property to copyright and related rights, constitutes the foundation for creativeness and innovation within the European Union. Respect of the basic principles of the internal market (the free movement of goods and services and free competition) is based on standardisation of intellectual property at European level. Protection of intellectual property is covered by many international conventions, most of which are implemented by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The European Union possesses two important bodies to carry out its mission: the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (OHIM), which is responsible for the registration of Community trade marks and designs, and the European Patent Office (EPO). The Commission is currently campaigning for the effective introduction of a Community patent system, which would be less costly and more legally effective, as a guarantee of competitiveness for European industry. Finally, the protection of these rights also entails protecting them against piracy, illegal trade and counterfeiting.
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New Unitary Patent system launches in EU by EUbusiness — last modified 06 June 2023, 16:33 CET
The Unitary Patent system launched in the EU on 1 June, with the aim of making it simpler and easier for companies to protect their innovations in Europe and capitalise on their intellectual property.
Unitary Patent system - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 01 June 2023, 13:44 CET
The Unitary Patent system launched on 1 June 2023, with the aim of making it simpler and easier for companies to protect their innovations in Europe and capitalise on their intellectual property.
Germany go-ahead for EU's unitary patent system by EUbusiness — last modified 21 February 2023, 23:24 CET
Germany's deposition of instrument on the ratification of the Unified Patent Court Agreement Monday triggered the final step required for the Unitary Patent system to start operating on 1 June 2023.
Unitary patent system by EUbusiness — last modified 20 February 2023, 23:53 CET
The European Commission actively promotes the implementation of the European patent with unitary effect (the 'unitary patent') and the establishment of a new patent court. The unitary patent is a legal title that will provide uniform protection across all participating countries on a one-stop-shop basis, providing huge cost advantages and reducing administrative burdens. The Unified Patent Court offers a single, specialised patent jurisdiction.
Industrial designs in EU to become cheaper, more predictable by EUbusiness — last modified 29 November 2022, 23:43 CET
The European Commission presented proposals for revised rules on industrial designs Tuesday designed to make it cheaper, quicker and more predictable to protect industrial designs across the EU.
EU's IP protection 'not as effective as it could be' by EUbusiness — last modified 27 April 2022, 23:04 CET
The EU’s legal framework for protecting intellectual property, in particular in the EU Designs Directive and fees mechanism, is not as effective as it could be, the EU's auditors warned in a report Tuesday.
EU acts to protect Ukrainian intellectual property rights by EUbusiness — last modified 09 March 2022, 16:57 CET
The EU Commission and the European Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) agreed Wednesday a joint definition of the first set of measures to safeguard protection of intellectual property in Ukraine.
EUR 47m to protect IP of EU SMEs in green COVID recovery by EUbusiness — last modified 11 January 2022, 22:28 CET
The European Commission and EU Intellectual Property Office launched the new EU SME Fund on Monday, offering vouchers for EU-based SMEs to help them protect their intellectual property rights.
EUR 20m to help European SMEs maximise IP assets by EUbusiness — last modified 11 January 2021, 23:22 CET
As of Monday, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) were able to apply for financing under a EUR 20 million grant scheme to help EU companies to make better use of intellectual property rights.
Brussels looks to strengthen IPR protection by EUbusiness — last modified 14 January 2020, 17:09 CET
The EU Commission signalled its intention Thursday to crack down on intellectual property rights infringements, which it says cost European firms billions of euros in lost revenue and put jobs at risk.
EUR 740m of fake goods stopped at EU borders by EUbusiness — last modified 20 September 2019, 00:12 CET
Fake and potentially dangerous goods worth nearly EUR 740 million were intercepted at EU customs borders in 2018, according to new figures released Thursday by the European Commission.
Patent applications for self-driving vehicles surge in Europe: study by EUbusiness — last modified 06 November 2018, 18:31 CET
Innovation in self-driving vehicles (SDVs) is accelerating fast and could signal the coming of a transport revolution, according to a new study published Tuesday by the European Patent Office (EPO).
France.com cannot be registered as a trademark by EUbusiness — last modified 26 June 2018, 23:12 CET
The French government succeeded Tuesday in its attempt to have the European Court of Justice outlaw an attempt by a French businessman to register the sign 'france.com' as an EU trademark.
Louboutin wins right to red sole in EU Court by EUbusiness — last modified 12 June 2018, 18:56 CET
Luxury shoe designer Christian Louboutin won a case at the European Court of Justice Tuesday over the right to trademark its exclusive red sole trademark used in high-heeled shoes for women.
EU launches WTO case against China by EUbusiness — last modified 03 June 2018, 20:39 CET
The European Union launched legal proceedings in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Friday against Chinese legislation that it claims undermines the intellectual property rights of European companies.
Supplementary protection certificate for medicinal products by EUbusiness — last modified 29 May 2018, 23:34 CET
The EU Commission proposed on 28 May a targeted adjustment to intellectual property rules to help Europe's pharmaceutical companies tap into fast-growing global markets and foster jobs, growth and investments in the EU.
EU pharma waiver to boost generic drugs exports by EUbusiness — last modified 30 May 2018, 00:05 CET
The EU Commission proposed Monday to adjust intellectual property rules to help Europe's pharmaceutical companies tap into fast-growing global markets and foster jobs, growth and investments in the EU.
Messi can register 'MESSI' trademark says EU Court by EUbusiness — last modified 26 April 2018, 13:16 CET
Lionel Messi, the world's best-paid footballer, can register the trademark 'MESSI' for sports equipment and clothing, the EU's top Court ruled Thursday despite a Spanish company's 'MASSI' trademark.
Kitkat protected status in doubt in EU Court's opinion by EUbusiness — last modified 19 April 2018, 20:53 CET
The future of the three-dimensional shape of Nestle's ‘Kit Kat 4 fingers’ chocolate as an EU trade mark is in doubt following Thursday's opinion of the Advocate-General of the European Court of Justice.
Louboutin loses 'red sole' case in EU's top Court by EUbusiness — last modified 08 February 2018, 14:30 CET
A trade mark combining colour and shape may be refused or declared invalid on the grounds set out under EU trade mark law, the advocate-general of the EU's top Court declared Wednesday.
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