Intellectual Property

European Unified Patent Court agreement ratified by the UK

On 26 April, the UK ratified the EU’s Unified Patent Court (UPC) agreement. Although much of intellectual property law and practice is already harmonised amongst EU member states, a UPC would set up a common patent court for the hearing of intellectual property cases, and the direct applicability of its rulings, across all EU member […]

Seminar: Brexit – Planning for the Unknown

Tuesday 9 May 2017 The UK Government finally delivered its Article 50 notice to the European Council on 29 March. The contents of that letter created much disagreement across the continent almost as soon as it was taken out of the envelope. The prospects for a harmonious two-year negotiation period are therefore rather slim. But […]

A look at post-Brexit trademark protection

The fashion powerhouse Christian Louboutin (Louboutin) has been litigating to protect its iconic red-soled shoes since 2011. It began in the United States and has meandered through various courts in Europe, finding its way to the European Court of Justice (ECJ). Here we take a brief look at Louboutin’s fight to protect its trademark and […]