Contents
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EU trade mark law
reform
Significant changes to the
EU trade mark framework.
IP review
autumn
2016
Welcome to the latest
edition of IP Review
The summer’s big news in the UK has been “Brexit” - the result of
the referendum on the UK’s continued membership of the European
Union, in which 52 per cent of the voting population opted to leave
the EU. As the UK and the rest of Europe come to terms with this
decision, we have looked at the possible implications of Brexit for
IP owners, and are happy to report that it’s business as usual for the
time being at least.
Change in Europe is something of
a theme this issue. We’ve provided
an update on recent changes to the
European trade mark system and
how they affect you, and we report
on developments in France, relating
to the patenting of products made by
essentially biological processes, that
will concern the biotech industry.
In the world of designs, the long-
running Trunki European Community
design saga has now come to an end
following a decision of the Supreme
Court, which will have a significant
impact on the way designs are
protected.
Some things never change though.
Despite a notable court victory
for the UK Intellectual Property
Office, IP renewal and registration
scams remain in operation. See our
guidance on how to deal with this
ever-present threat later in this issue.
Finally, we are delighted to announce
positive changes at W&R, with the
promotion of three of our
attorneys to Partner. Michael
Jaeger, Stuart Latham and Richard
Worthington joined the partnership
on 1 April. Two of our attorneys,
Helen Henderson and Kate Hillis,
have also recently been promoted
to Senior Associate with effect
from 1 July 2016. Those of you who
have worked with Michael, Stuart,
Richard, Helen or Kate will recognise
that these promotions are richly
deserved, and I’m sure you will join
me in congratulating them on their
achievement.
Matthew Howell
Editor
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