Knowledge Hub

“If your hair is done properly and you’re wearing good shoes, you can get away with anything.” – Iris Apfel   Introduction Not according to the EUIPO in the recent decision in Opposition No. B002757717 of J. Choo Limited v Liangliang Ren, when the Opposition Division handed down a decision to reject the mark:  … Read more »

EU: Falsified Medicines Directive: Implications for parallel importers and of Brexit This article was updated: 8 October 2018   Introduction to the Falsified Medicines Directive Directive 2011/62/EU, better known as “The Falsified Medicines Directive” or “FMD”, came into force on 2 January 2013, with the aim of preventing falsified medicines from entering the legitimate supply… Read more »

Brexit: EU Trade Marks and Community Designs, including if there is ‘no deal’   What is the current situation? The UK is to leave the EU (“Brexit”) on 29 March 2019.  When Brexit becomes fully effective, EU unitary trade mark registrations (“EUTMs”) and registered Community designs (“RCDs”) will cease to have effect in the UK,… Read more »

WIPO Magazine has announced[1] the launch of a new tool linking patents and drugs: Pat-INFORMED The concept The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA), together with 20 participating global pharmaceutical companies, have joined forces to globalise the concept of the US’s ‘Orange Book’. Most drugs have… Read more »

“It’s immoral!” Pitfalls of failing to register your trademarks; increased risks in China. Background: For a number of reasons, it is generally recognised as best practice is to secure a trade mark registration for your brands. Despite your best endeavours, however, trade mark applications can be rejected on a range of different grounds, including “absolute”… Read more »

The partners of AA Thornton are very pleased to announce that Alex Bone, Sarah Darby, Nikesh Patel, Dr Marianne Privett and Nick South have become Partners of the firm as from September 2018. All are extremely experienced attorneys, and valued members of their patent and trade marks teams. Alex is a patent attorney in our… Read more »

Brexit: Considerations for European Union Trade Marks and Registered Community Designs What is the current situation? The UK is to leave the EU (“Brexit”) on 29 March 2019.  When Brexit becomes fully effective, EU unitary trade mark registrations (“EUTMs”) and registered Community designs (“RCDs”) will cease to have effect in the UK, but will continue… Read more »

Preparations for AI patenting in Europe Patent Partner, Mike Jennings recently wrote a short article on Artificial Intelligence Patenting in Europe for Bio Science today magazine which discusses briefly the timelines of the patenting process and how current legislation has and will continue to change to keep up with the fast technological developments in the industry…. Read more »

Team (left to right): Phoebe Withnall, Rebecca Brenton, Natalie Jochacy, Hannah Bettles, Mike Jennings, Fionnuala Richardson, Chris Burnett, Emma Lau, Stuart Greenwood, Alex Bone, Michael Dawson, Adrian Bennett, Vanessa King, Sarah Neil. On Tuesday 17th July, AA Thornton took part in the Standard Chartered Great City Race for the 8th year running. This is a… Read more »

Motorsport Industry Association Summer Reception Attorneys Marianne Privett, Nick South, Nidhi Mukhuty and David Blair from the Automotive & Aerospace team attended the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) summer reception at the House of Lords. The prestigious event hosted 200 delegates of influence in the motorsport and automotive sectors, including MPs and Lords, who witnessed the… Read more »