Europe: Intellectual Property

This September edition examines pivotal developments in life sciences patent law across Europe, with the Unified Patent Court continuing to refine its jurisprudence on added matter, intermediary liability, and procedural standards. National courts in the UK, France, and the Netherlands deliver significant rulings on supplementary protection certificates, pro-drugs, and the boundaries of pharmacy exemptions that will shape patent strategy for pharmaceutical and medical device companies.

La Audiencia Provincial de Barcelona analiza un caso sobre patentes que establece criterios relevantes sobre la transmisión del derecho a solicitar una patente y la cesión de cuotas de titularidad. El tribunal examina la validez de transmisiones parciales en contextos societarios y precisa cuándo procede el derecho de retracto en situaciones de cotitularidad.

The Court of Justice of the European Union has issued a landmark ruling on whether political parties can use reputable trademarks for parody or campaigning purposes under EU trademark law. The case examines a Belgian political party's IKEA-themed immigration campaign and establishes new criteria for balancing trademark rights against freedom of expression. National courts must now weigh multiple factors including intent, contribution to public debate, and potential brand damage when assessing such uses.