News

EPO Introduces New Fee Reduction Scheme for “Micro-Entities”

EPO Fee Reduction

As of April 1, 2024, the European Patent Office (EPO) are implementing reduced fees for “micro-entities”, to support small-scale innovators. The scheme, will apply to both European patent applications and Euro-PCT applications, offering eligible entities a generous 30% reduction across all primary fees involved in the patent grant process. Eligibility Criteria To qualify for these… Read more »

Geoff Hussey recognised as Stand-Out Lawyer 2024

Thomson Reuters has once again recognised AA Thornton’s Geoff Hussey as a Stand-out Lawyer in 2024.   The Sharplegal study by Thomson Reuters involves more than 2,000 senior in-house legal counsel globally nominating up to three lawyers. These lawyers are ones they’ve worked with over the past year who’ve significantly stood out to them, distinguishing… Read more »

Ian Gill recognised again in WTR 1000

WTR 1000 has again recognised AA Thornton’s Ian Gill as one of the World’s Leading Trade Mark Professionals in 2024.   WTR 1000 – the World’s Leading Trademark Professionals 2024 – identifies the top trademark professionals in key jurisdictions around the globe. The WTR 1000 focuses exclusively on trademark practice and is a resource for… Read more »

Recommended in the 2024 JUVE Patent UK rankings

Abstract - Juve Patent UK

We are thrilled to once again be recommended by JUVE Patent for patent filing in technical specialties. In the 2024 JUVE Patent UK rankings, our expertise has been highlighted for: Chemistry Digital Communication and Computer Technology Energy and Environmental Technology   JUVE Patent, based Germany, is a key source for information on the European patent… Read more »

Mike Jennings: Global Leader in IAM Strategy 300 2024

Mike Jennings of AA Thornton IP LLP has been recognised again as an IAM Strategy 300 ‘Global Leader’ for 2024. He is also recognised by IAM as one of The World’s Leading Patent Professionals.     The IAM Strategy 300 Global Leaders list includes the individuals they identify as the world’s leading IP experts, renowned for… Read more »

A Pilot for Costs-Capping in Patents Cases

Costs-Capping in Patents Cases

Exposure to high litigation costs can prevent small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and individual inventors from accessing the legal system. Significantly, the costs associated with proceedings in the Patents Court typically start at £1 million, often escalating to between £1.5 and £2 million in small to medium-sized patent disputes[1].   Cap on Patent Litigation Costs… Read more »

DABUS Case: UK Supreme Court Affirms Human Inventor Requirement

Supreme Court - AI System 'DABUS'

Capturing the attention of both legal experts and technology enthusiasts alike, the UK Supreme Court handed down its highly anticipated decision in the case of Thaler (Appellant) v Comptroller-General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (Respondent) on 20 December. In a unanimous decision, the UK Supreme Court dismissed Dr Thaler’s appeal which relates to two inventions… Read more »

UK’s 2030 Vision: Energy Transition with a New Battery Strategy

UK - New Battery Strategy

The UK Government has set out a vision to revolutionise its energy landscape with the launch of the country’s first-ever battery strategy. Developed in collaboration with the UK Battery Strategy Taskforce, this bold vision for 2030 aims to establish the UK as a front-runner in the global battery market. The strategy seeks to build a… Read more »

Clarity from EPO on Priority Entitlement in Patent Proceedings

The Enlarged Board of Appeal of the EPO recently delivered its long-awaited decision in the consolidated cases G 1/22 and G 2/22, bringing much-needed clarity to the contentious issue of priority entitlement. This decision not only reaffirms the EPO’s authority to assess entitlement to priority but also upholds the validity of the “PCT Joint Applicants… Read more »

Categories

Archives