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Author Archives: Dr. Dirk Franke
Moldova Joins the EPC
On June 1, 2026, the Republic of Moldova acceded to the European Patent Convention (EPC) as its 40th contracting state. A single European patent application can now reach 40 states. What changes for applicants For European patent applications with a … Continue reading
The apud Model of Qualitative Patent Valuation – and How to Use Its Factors to Increase the Value of Your Patent Portfolio
Patents often make up a substantial part of a company’s intangible value – yet that value cannot be captured in a single figure. The apud model is a qualitative valuation approach that systematically captures the characteristics that determine a patent’s … Continue reading
Posted in German law, Patent Law, Start-up Business Consulting
Tagged apud model, Invention, valuation
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Abstract (Single-Colour) Trademarks and Their Case Law in Germany
A single colour can be a trademark – Telekom’s magenta, Langenscheidt’s yellow and the Sparkassen red are well-known examples. At the same time, the abstract, contourless colour mark is one of the hardest marks to obtain and to enforce. This … Continue reading
Posted in German law, Trademark Law
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Failed Trials, Strong Patents: The Federal Court of Justice on Fampridine-SR (BGH X ZR 165/23)
German Federal Court of Justice (Bundesgerichtshof), judgment of 17 March 2026 – X ZR 165/23 – on appeal from the Federal Patent Court In a decision that commentators are already calling a milestone for pharmaceutical patents, the X. Civil Senate … Continue reading
Posted in German law, Patent Law
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When “Suitability” Isn’t Enough: The Federal Court of Justice on Purpose-Bound Substance Protection (BGH X ZB 3/25)
German Federal Court of Justice (Bundesgerichtshof), order of 25 February 2026 – X ZB 3/25 – Fructose Intolerance Agent · ECLI:DE:BGH:2026:250226BXZB3.25.0 In a decision handed down on February 25, 2026, the X. Civil Senate (Patent Senate) of Germany’s Federal Court … Continue reading
Posted in German law, Patent Law
Tagged BGH, Federal Patent Court, Fructose Intolerance Agent
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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
We wish all our readers a joyful holiday season and a healthy, successful year ahead in 2025.
Posted in Christmas Greetings
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EPO: Abolition of the 10-Day Rule for Notifications
Under the former 10-day rule, a document was deemed to have been delivered on the tenth day after the date it bore, and time limits were calculated from that fictitious delivery date. That fiction has been removed. A document is … Continue reading
Posted in European Law, Patent Law
Tagged EPC, European patent application, European patent office
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Unified Patent Court (UPC): Opt-Out Strategy for Granted European Patents and European Patent Applications
The Unified Patent Court (UPC) is a central European court, which has become competent for granted European patents and European patent applications. For a transitional period of 7 to 14 years, the granted European patents will remain within the jurisdiction … Continue reading
Unitary Patent System: Start of the Transitional Measures on January 1, 2023
The President of the Court of Appeal of the Unified Patent Court (UPC) and the Chairman of the Administrative Committee of the UPC recently announced that transitional measures for the introduction of Unitary patents will begin on January 1, 2023. … Continue reading
EUIPO: Discrimination of Applicants and Proprietors Based on Their Place of Business or Nationality
We have recently encountered a concerning situation with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) regarding the transfer of ownership of a registered EU trademark. It appears that the EUIPO is discriminating against customers based on their place of business, … Continue reading
Posted in European Law, Trademark Law
Tagged discrimination, EU trademark, EUIPO, nationality, Russia
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