The Obelix decision of the European Court of Justice  (T-24/25) marks an interesting development in the treatment of the ® symbol under European trade mark law.   Until now, this symbol had played a relatively limited role in European case law. Unlike in US practice, its use is neither required nor constitutive of rights under EU law, and the courts have traditionally attached only marginal importance to it.   However, in this case, the General Court of the European Union…

A structured, investor-grade intellectual property audit — covering patents, trademarks, designs, and software copyright — now available as a ready-to-deploy due diligence package. A structured, investor-grade intellectual property audit, covering patents, trademarks, designs, and software copyright is now available as a ready-to-deploy due diligence package.   Intellectual property is, for most technology and innovation-driven companies, the single most valuable asset on the balance sheet, and the most frequently mispriced one. In private equity transactions, venture rounds, and strategic acquisitions alike, IP…

When developing an innovative product or technology, collaborating with external partners is often essential. Research centers, manufacturers, formulators, laboratories, or technical subcontractors can all play a key role in transforming an idea into a market-ready product. However, before sharing your innovation with partners, one critical step should never be overlooked: filing a patent application. Failing to protect your invention beforehand can create serious risks regarding the ownership of intellectual property.   The Risk: Losing Ownership of Your Own Innovation In…

Creating a brand is often seen as a creative process: finding the right name, designing a distinctive logo, and building a strong visual identity. Yet behind this marketing exercise lies an essential legal reality: a brand can only be used and protected if it does not conflict with existing rights. In Europe, where millions of trademarks are already registered, verifying the availability of a name or logo is a crucial step before launching a new brand. This verification process, known…

Great news for EU-based small and medium-sized enterprises: the Ideas Powered for Business SME Fund has reopened several of its voucher schemes following new funding availability. Voucher 1 – IP Scan (IP pre-diagnostic service) and IP Scan Enforcement Voucher 2 – Trade Marks and Designs Voucher 3 – Patents This European Commission initiative, implemented by the EUIPO, helps SMEs protect and manage their intellectual property (IP) more effectively. Applications can be submitted by a business owner, employee, or authorized external…

The meteoric rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is profoundly transforming the world of communications. Generating striking visuals in a matter of seconds, writing slogans tailored to different audiences, personalising advertising messages at scale: never before have campaign creators had access to such a range of tools. But behind this revolution lie major challenges, particularly when it comes to intellectual property. Because while AI makes it easier to create, it also makes it harder to protect. Slogans, logos, visuals, jingles: all…