Knowledge Hub

The UK High Court has overturned an earlier UKIPO refusal of a patent application for a trained Artificial Neural Network (ANN).This is encouraging for applicants who are investing in AI patenting in the UK.  The UKIPO quickly confirmed that it is changing its examination practice to reflect the court’s judgement.   The UKIPO’s earlier decision… Read more »

As Trade Mark Attorneys, one of the questions we are asked  almost daily basis is whether new marks are registrable. As UK IPO practice is forever evolving, it can be helpful to conduct regular reviews of the kinds of marks being refused by the UK IPO. In the latest instalment of our seasonal round-up, we… Read more »

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 »

The Background Sports events are a lucrative business, with the associated intellectual property rights highly guarded by the organisations authorised to broadcast them. However, the allure of easy money has tempted some to exploit sports broadcasts unlawfully. This resulted in the sentencing of five men in May 2023 who had been illegally streaming Premier League… Read more »

Mike Jennings has been recognised in the IAM Strategy 300: The World’s Leading IP Strategists 2023 (and in 2022). The IAM Strategy 300: The World’s Leading IP Strategists 2023 is an annual listing of individuals who lead the way in the development and implementation of strategies that maximise the value of IP portfolios. Mike Jennings… Read more »

In an exciting development for brand owners, the EU has this week approved a new regulation that will allow the producers of distinctive craft and industrial products to protect their goods with a Geographical Indication. What is a Geographical Indication? Geographical indication protection rights (“GIs”) have been available for certain types of product in various… Read more »

From 1st November 2023, the “10-day rule” for notifications will no longer apply. For documents dated on or after 1st November 2023, deadlines will normally be calculated from the date of the letter, not from 10 days after the date of the letter. What is the “10-day rule”? Currently, a document is deemed to be… Read more »

Craig Turner and Ian Gill have been recognised in the Who’s Who Legal 2023 guide. Who’s Who Legal: IP recognises patent, trademark and copyright lawyers around the world who stand out for their excellence in both contentious and transactional matters. Craig Turner, Partner and UK Chartered and European Patent Attorney, is widely acknowledged as an… Read more »

In the evolving landscape of branding, a new trend is emerging where brands are embracing more than names, logos and packaging to differentiate their products. Imagine products having their own passports, which share stories about their origins and what makes them truly distinctive. These passports exist and they are known as Geographical Indications or simply… Read more »

The partners of AA Thornton wish to thank our clients for their positive feedback and endorsements that have led to recent awards and our continued ranking as one of Europe’s leading patent firms. Our attorneys, Adrian Bennett, Craig Turner and Mike Jennings have been recognised for their patent expertise in the IAM Patent 1000 – The… Read more »