United Kingdom: Technology

The HEVC Advance Patent Pool has become a focal point for standard-essential patent disputes, with major technology companies facing coordinated litigation across multiple jurisdictions. As licensors pursue enforcement through both the Unified Patent Court and national courts, questions arise about whether offered licensing terms truly meet FRAND obligations and how companies should navigate this complex multi-forum landscape.

The UK Intellectual Property Office has unveiled its Corporate Plan for 2026-2027, outlining ambitious digital transformation initiatives and strategic priorities that will reshape how businesses interact with the UK's IP system. From the rollout of the OneIPO platform to enhanced support for commercialising intellectual property and integrating AI tools, these changes promise to modernize IP services while addressing current backlogs and supporting innovation across all sectors.

Search has been evolving for years, but the latest shift is a significant one. As AI-powered tools and answer engines become more widely used, the way people find information online is changing; and so is the way content needs to be created.

I have written previously an article about the difficulties Lego has faced in securing Registered European Union Designs (REUDs) before the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

This edition of Alternative Insights is a special look at the issues that will shape private capital in the year ahead. You can read our full analysis of those legal, regulatory and tax headwinds here, in Insights 26.

Effective collaboration between technology leaders and business leaders has never been more essential. A majority of executives surveyed by AlixPartners expect to make major changes in their business models...

Consumer debt is rising, but rather than trading down, diners are reducing visits and prioritizing dine-out occasions. Steady price hikes are hitting fast food...

Emma Haywood of Bloomworks Legal reflects on a year of AI integration, emphasizing responsible governance, practical legal and business applications, a shift to high-impact tasks, and advises starting with problem-solving and establishing robust AI policies.

Flo Health, a London-based femtech startup, raised $200 million in Series C funding, valuing it at over $1 billion. With 380 million users, it plans to expand features for middle-aged women, focusing on menopause.