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 […]

Brexit for business

The United Kingdom continues to be a member of the EU as well as the Common Market and the Customs Union. This situation will persist at least until the end of March 2019, i.e. the end of the two year negotiation period stipulated by Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon which governs the withdrawal […]

Brexit – Einige praktische Hinweise

Das Vereinigte Königreich ist weiterhin Mitglied der EU, des Gemeinsamen Marktes und der Zollunion. Dies wird mindestens bis Ende März 2019, dem Ende der zweijährigen Verhandlungsperiode gemäß Artikel 50 des Vertrag von Lissabon, unverändert bleiben. Von daher sind noch keine Änderungen am rechtlichen oder regulatorischen Rahmen für hier ansässige oder tätige Unternehmen eingetreten. Es ist […]

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 […]

BREXIT – where next for your business?

Our March briefing on Brexit examined some of the “macro” issues arising from the Government’s renegotiated deal with the European Union. It also examined some of the options for a post-Brexit deal. With the referendum date now fast approaching, the attached briefing considers the implications of Brexit for selected business lines and the extent to […]