News
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UK Government publishes draft legislation on ‘Patent Box II’
1 January 2016Read more >Patent Box is a UK tax scheme whereby UK companies pay a reduced rate of corporation tax on profits generated from patented technology. Shortly after the scheme came into effect in April 2013 it came under attack from foreign governments and this led to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) issuing its requirements […]
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IP Review Autumn 2015
19 November 2015Read more >Our latest IP Review is now available online here: www.withersrogers.com/ebrochure/ip-review/autumn-2015/ In this issue we report on some interesting developments, including a wave of altruism that has swept over some of the world’s best known companies in recent times, changes in US practice that affect the patentability of biodiagnostics, and recent developments in China to strengthen its […]
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Patent Box consultation reassures UK businesses
23 October 2015Read more >A government consultation opened on 22 October on the Patent Box Scheme and will run until December 4 2015. The aim is to ensure that the UK’s tax regimes comply with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) recommendations. According to patent attorney, Michael Jaeger: “The launch of the consultation is welcome news as […]
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Another step forward for the Unified Patent Court
9 October 2015Read more >On Thursday 1 October 2015, seven EU Member States, including the UK, France and Germany, signed the Protocol to the Agreement on a Unified Patent Court (UPC) on provisional application. This Protocol allows for the implementing of IT systems and recruitment of judges as well as other key provisions which must be completed before the […]
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Italy joins Unitary Patent
7 October 2015Read more >The European Commission confirmed on 30 September 2015 that Italy has become the 26th state to join the enhanced cooperation of the Unitary Patent protection. Given Italy’s previous reluctance to join, including pursuing a legal challenge against the Unitary Patent, this is a major success for the future of the Unitary Patent and the Unified […]
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Portugal becomes eighth country to ratify UPC Agreement
2 September 2015Read more >After completing the required formalities on 28 August 2015, Portugal became the latest country to ratify the UPC agreement, bringing the total number to eight. In order for the Unified Patent Court and the Unitary Patent to come into effect, 13 EU countries must ratify the Agreement, including the three largest member states in terms […]
