Small claims track available for some IP
Court proceedings are often a costly and time consuming aspect of defending and enforcing intellectual property (IP) and this usually discourages individuals and small companies from taking action against infringers.
Following the publication of recommendations for streamlining the intellectual property litigation system and for reducing the costs of pursuing lower value claims, the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC) (previously called the "Patents County Court") successfully introduced procedures to help it deal more efficiently with lower value and less complicated IP claims.
Croatia joined European Union in July 2013
By Sarah Chatterley.
On 1 July 2013 the European Union expanded as another member joined. With Croatia's accession, the EU will total 28 members. This is good news for Community Trade Mark and Community Design Right applicants and registration owners as their rights will automatically include Croatia. Transitional measures have been in place since December 2012.
Counterfeits - how do I prevent or stop copying?
By John Rule.
Everyone is a victim where copying is concerned. Counterfeits are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but there are things you can do to make it more difficult for the unauthorised user of your intellectual property.
Current members of the EU
There are currently 28 members of the EU and the scope of protection of a Community trade mark (CTM) registration encompasses new members as they join.
Why should I register my trade mark?
By Sarah Chatterley.
If you haven’t registered your trade mark and are not concerned about someone else using it, or you are relying only on your use of your trade mark to stop others from copying you, be aware that it is much harder and more expensive to take action without a registration.