Patents

In a look at some of the latest patent filings in the automotive industry we highlight McLaren’s patent application to a powertrain using three electric motors, and Ford’s application to a car that can drive itself away if the owner fails to keep up with repayments! McLaren – Patent Publication no. EP4112349 British supercar manufacturer… Read more »

The EV revolution In a series of articles, senior associate Stuart Greenwood looks at the current state of electric vehicles, the very latest developments in the field, what lies ahead, and some examples from around the world at how cities and countries are adapting and preparing for the coming of the EV. Electric Avenue –… Read more »

As announced in a statement by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Justice on 17 February 2023, Germany has now ratified the Unified Patent Court Agreement. This confirms the start date of the Unified Patent Court (UPC) and Unitary Patent system as 1 June 2023. Germany’s ratification also provides confirmation that the “sunrise period”, during which proprietors… Read more »

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when one contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvellous structure of reality.”—Albert Einstein Einstein echoes a sentiment shared by much of humankind—that wonder is an experience to be cherished, and… Read more »

The UK IPO has issued the first Tribunal Practice Notice (TPN) of 2023, which brings together previous guidance regarding costs in trade mark, patent and design tribunal proceedings and updates the scale of costs. Scale of costs The UK IPO Tribunal will continue to award costs in proceedings in line with the published scale. The… Read more »

Back in April 2018, the UK IPO introduced additional claims fees of £20 for each claim of a UK patent application over 25. Prior to this change, a UK patent application or patent could have any number of claims without incurring additional official fees. Canada has now become one of the latest countries to introduce… Read more »

The problem of plastics polluting the planet’s rivers and oceans is well known.  The use of plastics, particularly single use plastics, has been reduced in recent years, but plastic materials are still finding their way into the water.  Plastic waste that reaches a river or canal is likely, eventually, to flow into the ocean.  Once… Read more »

On the 30 November 2022 an artificial intelligence powered chatbot was launched. https://chat.openai.com/chat Under very little fanfare, the chatbot, created by Elon Musk founded company, OpenAI, went live and in little under a week had amassed more than 1 million registered users.   What is it? ChatGPT is a large language model developed by OpenAI…. Read more »

The cosmetics and personal care industry has become increasingly concerned with clean beauty and sustainable beauty over recent years. This has arisen in response to pressure from consumers but also originated from within the companies themselves who, like many companies operating today, wish to have a positive impact on the environment. Innovations in the area… Read more »

Author: Leonita Paulrja   On 14 October 2022, the Administrative Council of the European Patent Office (EPO) voted to remove the ‘ten day rule’ under Rule 126(2) EPC. Under current EPO practice, unless it can be shown to be later, a notification is deemed to be made ten days after the date shown on the communication (even… Read more »