European Union: Intellectual Property

The Paris Local Division of the Unified Patent Court issued a decision on the merits in an infringement action brought by Orange SA against HMD Global Oy concerning European Patent EP 2 345 029. The case involved jurisdictions across France, Germany, and Italy, with the defendant filing a conditional counterclaim for revocation under Article 33(3) of the UPCA and Article 69 of the EPC.

The Unified Patent Court's Court of Appeal examines critical questions of patent validity, including whether omitting disclosed features constitutes added matter when functional or structural links exist, and how technical effects factor into determining essential features for inventive step analysis. The decision also addresses procedural boundaries for raising new legal arguments on appeal.

The Unified Patent Court's Court of Appeal examines the scope of a defendant's obligations under an injunction order, specifically addressing whether geo-blocking purchase functions alone satisfies compliance requirements when third-party platforms continue to market prohibited products.

German utility models offer a unique pathway to intellectual property protection, providing registration within weeks rather than the years typically required for patent approval. This expedited process presents strategic advantages for innovators seeking rapid market protection in Germany's robust IP framework.

L'Office européen des brevets (OEB) a dévoilé, le 2 juillet 2026 à Berlin, les lauréats et lauréates de la 19ᵉ édition du Prix de l'inventeur européen. Cette édition met à l'honneur des innovations majeures...

Novagraaf serves as a comprehensive partner for intellectual property strategy, protection, and defense. Subscribe to their monthly Perspectives newsletter to access expert advice, webinars, and exclusive content on IP matters.

A pharmaceutical company's trademark dispute over 'CannaMed' raises critical questions about brand protection in the rapidly evolving cannabis and medical sectors. The case highlights the intersection of traditional pharmaceutical branding with emerging cannabis industry nomenclature. Legal and commercial implications of this trademark conflict could set important precedents for companies operating at the convergence of these two industries.

On 1 July 2026, the General Court of the European Union ruled on the application for the EU word mark ‘FOR BETTER GAMING – VEIKKAUS’ filed by Veikkaus Oy, the Finnish state-owned and sole gambling operator.

Protecting three-dimensional trademarks (or shape marks) within the European Union is a complex balancing act. Given the need to reconcile the requirements of free competition and the recognition of companies' creative efforts, the boundaries of these trademarks' validity are frequently tested.

Le 21 avril 2026, IAM a rendu compte d'une décision importante de la Cour d'appel fédérale des États-Unis (Federal Circuit) dans un litige opposant International Medical Devices à plusieurs défendeurs impliqués dans le développement d'un implant médical à visée esthétique.

What is an IP strategy, why do you need one, and how do you create one that will help you achieve your strategic goals? Dr Lisa Clark shares best practices and explains why IP is too important to leave to chance.

The French Cour de cassation has ruled that receiving stolen goods can extend beyond tangible property to include strategic information obtained through breach of trust, even when not recorded on physical media. This landmark decision adapts criminal law to modern economic realities where intangible assets and confidential business information hold significant value.