Category Archives: Patent Law

Morocco: Validation Agreement Enters into Force

The European Patent Office (EPO) has announced in a recent press release that the agreement on the validation of European patents between the EPO and Morocco will enter into force on March 1, 2015. With the recognition of the EPC, … Continue reading

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Interview: Incentives to Innovate

Interview with Dr. Dirk Franke. The following topics are covered: the future of the profession of a European patent attorney, patent litigation costs, trivial patents; how to find a qualified patent attorney, EU patent (unitary patent), changes in the European … Continue reading

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Ireland: London Agreement Enters into Force

With Ireland already having deposited on November 25, 2012 the instrument of accession to the London Agreement, the new legislation will formally enter into force in Ireland on March 1, 2014. Ireland had already signed into effect national laws in … Continue reading

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EPO: Abandonment of Established and Efficient Safety Mechanisms for Users

This week we received an official notification of the European Patent Office (EPO) along with the regular statement of our deposit account of 10 February 2014 with the headline “abolishment of the administration fee in case of insufficient cover of … Continue reading

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Priority Documents: Formalities and Time Limits in Germany and Europe

Many applicants of patents, trademarks or designs in Europe or Germany have questions concerning the formalities and time limits for having the priority claim of a previously filed application confirmed. The formalities and time limits for submitting either a priority document … Continue reading

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Revised German Patent Act: More Flexibility for Applicants

A revised German Patent Act will enter into force on April 1, 2014. This has been announced by the German Patent and Trademark Office (GPTO) in a press release on October 24, 2013. With the revised German Patent Act important … Continue reading

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Amended Rules for European Divisional Applications: Consequences and Strategic Considerations for Practitioners

According to an announcement of the EPO, new rules for filing European divisional applications will enter into force on April 1, 2014. The new rules will have the consequence that for all European patent applications pending on April 1, 2014, … Continue reading

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Rule 36 EPC: New Time Limits for Filing Divisional Applications at the European Patent Office

The European Patent Office (EPO) has finally bowed to the pressure of many applicants for a European patent and will introduce new rules governing the filing of divisional applications. As has been announced by the EPO on October 18, 2013, … Continue reading

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Employee’s Inventions: Check-List for Preparing the Initial Meeting with the Patent Attorney

Many times, inventors and start-up entrepreneurs realize they need professional help in order to protect their inventions before the patent office. This is a good realization to have, as early as possible. Unfortunately, not too many inventors and start-up entrepreneurs … Continue reading

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Search Tools for Patents and Trademarks

The following search tools are provided by national and international patent and trademark offices and can be used free of charge for searching of patents, designs and trademarks: 1. Search Tools for Patents The following search tools can be used … Continue reading

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