Exclusive: French govt declares for INTA chief in EUIPO race
The French government has backed INTA CEO Etienne Sanz de Acedo to be the next executive director of the EUIPO, Managing IP can confirm.
Two senior French ministers wrote to national intellectual property offices last Wednesday, February 15, to say the INTA chief had the full support of the French government.
Sanz de Acedo’s application for the role had not been made public until now.
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Exclusive: Litigation funder poised to launch UPC test case
A litigation funder has backed a case that it expects to be formally launched in the first few days of the Unified Patent Court becoming operational, a source has told Managing IP.
The case has relevance throughout Europe and is a “classic setup” for a UPC test case, a senior counsel at the funder told Managing IP. “It involves a very solid patent portfolio, is multijurisdictional and there is a good likelihood for a settlement.”
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LOT Network aims to snag group of semiconductor firms
The LOT Network plans to add more semiconductor companies to its membership by getting multiple businesses to join at the same time, its chief executive revealed to Managing IP on Wednesday, February 22.
Ken Seddon, CEO of the LOT Network in Arizona, said he’s talking to several semiconductor companies, some of which have said that they would join provided others join at the same time.
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Exclusive: Appeal launched over ‘Russian warship’ trademark rejection
The applicant behind an EU trademark application for the phrase 'Russian warship, go fuck yourself' has appealed against the EUIPO’s decision to reject the filing in December, Managing IP can reveal.
Legal representatives for the Administration of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine filed an appeal on Tuesday, February 21.
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European IP firms to join forces
Brandit, an intellectual property consultancy, is to merge with Swedish brand protection company Ports Group, it can be revealed.
The new combination will expand its focus on cyber-related IP issues and domain names. The combined firm will have 11 offices in Europe and Turkey.
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Mitsubishi Tanabe lands '$940m' revenue boost after Novartis win
Japanese pharma company Mitsubishi Tanabe secured an arbitration victory against Novartis at the International Chamber of Commerce, a case related to blockbuster multiple sclerosis drug Gilenya (fingolimod).
According to Mitsubishi Tanabe, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Chemical Group, the award will see its revenue increase by around $940 million.
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German ratification signals UPC countdown
The German government deposited its instrument of ratification on the Unified Patent Court on Friday, February 17, officially starting the countdown to the court becoming a reality.
The news means the UPC will enter into operation on June 1 2023. A three-month sunrise period, during which patent owners can opt their patents in or out, will begin on March 1.
The sunrise period could not have started until Germany had deposited its ratification.
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Other articles published by Managing IP this week include:
Chaos surrounds India IPO’s TM register clean-up
Boutique law firms look for new friends in UPC era
KIPO chief bets on AI and IP valuation to steer innovation
DoJ filing in Moderna patent case poses immunity questions
Weekly take: UPC should seize chance to address impartiality worries
CNIPA’s banned trademarks guidance leaves counsel bemused
Andrea Di Carlo interview: ‘I am the candidate of the future’
Why brands should be wary of China’s trademark reforms
Elsewhere in IP
Apple ruling stands
The US government said on Tuesday, February 21, that it will not overrule a decision by the International Trade Commission (ITC) that could block imports of Apple Watches for infringing patents owned by AliveCor related to heart monitoring. In December, the ITC said technology in recent models of Apple’s smartwatches infringed patents previously filed by AliveCor.
Avanci enters aftermarket
Patent pool operator Avanci launched Avanci Aftermarket on Tuesday, February 21. The company said the initiative is a dedicated patent licensing programme for the vehicle aftermarket. According to Avanci, more than 40 patent owners are now licensing their cellular essential patents through the programme, including several from its 4G pool.
GI delegation
A delegation of members of the European Parliament (MEPs) met at the EUIPO to discuss legal reforms surrounding geographical indications (GIs) on Wednesday, February 22, and Thursday, February 23. MEPs discussed upcoming legislation on GI protection for craft and industrial products as well as the ongoing review of existing GI rules for agricultural products, wines, and spirit drinks.
IP rankings
The US Chamber of Commerce published the latest edition of its International IP Index on Tuesday, February 21. The index benchmarks the IP framework in 55 countries. The US was ranked first, the UK second and France third. Germany and Sweden made up the rest of the top five.
LVMH warned off
Nonprofit organisation the Joan Mitchell Foundation sent a cease-and-desist letter to Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH) on Tuesday, February 21, alleging that the fashion brand had used the artist’s paintings in handbag advertisements. The foundation had reportedly repeatedly declined to give its approval for such use. LVMH was in the news last week after it was accused of David v Goliath tactics for targeting a small business.
AI blow
Images in a graphic novel created using the artificial-intelligence system Midjourney should not have been granted copyright protection, the US Copyright Office said on Tuesday, February 21. ‘Zarya of the Dawn’ author Kris Kashtanova is entitled to copyright for the parts of the book she wrote and arranged but not for the images produced by Midjourney, the office said.
