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Navigating the Unitary Patent and the Unified Patent Court 

Navigating the Unitary Patent and the Unified Patent Court 

In the ever-evolving landscape of intellectual property protection, staying informed about the latest developments is crucial. One of the most significant changes to European patent law in recent years is the introduction of the Unitary Patent (UP) and the establishment of the Unified Patent Court (UPC). These innovative systems, designed to streamline patent protection and litigation across European Union (EU) member states, have transformed the way businesses and inventors safeguard their intellectual property. 

In this blog post, we will delve into the intricacies of the Unitary Patent and the Unified Patent Court, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of what these changes mean for patent holders and applicants. Furthermore, we’ll guide you through how to harness Unitary Patent data in PatBase, offering valuable insights into how to efficiently manage and track these patents in the digital age.  More…

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Google’s Patent Infringement Woes

Google’s Patent Infringement Woes: The Importance of Performing Patent Due Diligence

In recent years, Google has found itself entangled in a series of patent infringement cases that have raised questions about the challenges big tech companies face with their intellectual property strategies. This article delves into the notable patent infringement cases that Google has faced and the potential ramifications of such legal battles on a tech giant. More…

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South Korean DABUS ruling: The future of AI and patent law

South Korean DABUS ruling: the future of AI and patent law

The recent ruling by the Seoul Administrative Court in South Korea that denied a patent application for an invention created by an artificial intelligence (AI) system has reignited the debate about the need for reforms to patent law to accommodate AI-generated inventions.

The application, filed by Dr. Stephen Thaler, was for a new type of beverage container that is designed to prevent spillage. The invention was created by DABUS, an AI system that Thaler developed.

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Revolutionising Chemotherapy: A Breakthrough DNA Repair Test Takes the Guesswork out of Treatment

Revolutionising Chemotherapy: A Breakthrough DNA Repair Test Takes the Guesswork out of Treatment

 

Chemotherapy has long been a critical tool in the fight against cancer, but its effectiveness can be hindered by the unpredictable way each patient’s body responds to treatment. However, a ground-breaking DNA repair test developed by researchers at Brunel University London promises to revolutionise the field of oncology by taking the “hit-and-miss” out of chemotherapy. The test is called DiNArep, and it has already been granted patents in the UK, US, EU, and Japan. In this blog post, we delve into the details of this remarkable advancement and explore the potential it holds for transforming cancer treatment.

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Starting with a search – Open vs Closed Innovation in the Post-COVID era

Starting with a search – Open vs Closed Innovation in the Post-COVID era (Part 2)

Traditionally, companies have used a closed patent strategy designed to protect and prolong the lifecycle of existing technologies from competitors. Patents remain a popular way of safeguarding original work, with almost 188,600 applications received by the EPO in 2021 – a 4.5% increase, showing a significant recovery from the small decline recorded in 2020 due to the pandemic.

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Biometric technology: A passwordless future?

Biometric technology: A passwordless future?

Biometric technology has come a long way in recent years. We are using facial and fingerprint recognition more and more in our everyday lives and although technically they can be duped, they are still more secure than traditional security measure like passwords. Biometrics allow accounts to be intrinsically linked to an individual, rather than co-opted by hackers who can guess passwords, making them a promising technology for a world that is increasingly online. With this in mind, could passwords be a thing of the past? And what are the benefits and drawbacks of biometric technology? More…

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AI art and IP protection

AI art and IP protection 

A global debate around AI and IP ownership has been on-going since the late 2010s. The main issues surround the question of whether AI can legally own IP if AI is not considered to be a legal person. There has been a divide in opinion between national courts, mainly regarding patent ownership, with some ruling in favour of AI and others strongly opposing. Let’s take a closer look at the current landscape of AI ownership of IP and how this is applied more specifically to AI art.  More…

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Can patents help save the environment?

Can patents help save the environment?

 

Ever since 1421 when the very first patent was recorded in Florence, patents and their protected inventions have helped shape the modern world we live in today. Patents protect inventions, granting their owners exclusive rights over them for a period of time and allowing them to reap financial rewards. They have supported technological and economical advancements, as well as helping to solve problems through innovation. More…

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Green hydrogen: the future of energy?

Green hydrogen: the future of energy?

 

Modern society relies heavily on electricity and requires an increasing number of watts to function. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicted in their 2019 report that global energy demand will increase between 25% and 30% by 2040. Considering how reliant we are on oil and coal, this would increase CO2 emissions thus exacerbating climate change. With this in mind, innovators are turning their attention to more sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions such as green hydrogen. The new German Ambassador to the UK, Miguel Berger, who was previously the State Secretary of the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin, stated at the Hydrogen for Life 2022 conference that it is crucial we speed up the efficiency of renewable energy, including hydrogen in order to move away from fossil fuels. He also spoke about the potential for Germany and the UK to work together in this area to develop and implement new, innovative solutions more quickly. Let’s take a closer look at what green hydrogen is and the different areas of innovation. More…

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European Inventor Award 2022 winners: Recognising their contribution to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals

European Inventor Award 2022 winners: Recognising their contribution to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 

 

The way we live is constantly changed and influenced by inventors and their new inventions. These developments shape the course of history and the future of society. With this in mind, the annual European Inventor Award launched in 2006 by the European Patent office (EPO) aims to celebrate the best and most innovative technological breakthroughs. This year’s winners come from a range of industries, from waste management to medical technology and energy storage. Let’s take a closer look at the award-winning innovations chosen for their contribution to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. 

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