Blog
Analysis and commentary on intellectual property developments relevant to cross-border business across Europe, Latin America and Africa. We publish on the matters that affect how intangible assets are protected, exploited and defended — from EUIPO and WIPO practice to the implementation of the EU AI Act and the evolution of intellectual property regimes across Latin American and African jurisdictions.
UPC costs for SMEs: fee reductions, recoverable costs and security
Small firms pay 50% of UPC fees since 2026, but La Siddhi v Athena confirms SME status is no shield against security for costs. Fees, ceilings…
Silimed v Polytech: an opt-out by the wrong owner still locks out the UPC
Brazilian Silimed won its European patent back in Germany, but an opt-out filed by the old owner and a prior national revocation action kept it out…
Global patent portfolio management: deadlines, annuities and local agents
How to run PCT, European, unitary and national patent deadlines and annuities from one calendar across Europe, Latin America and Africa without losing rights.
How courts set FRAND rates: what the EPO’s new study means for implementers
The EPO's study of 65 FRAND decisions shows courts favour comparable licences, with top-down as a cross-check. What SEP implementers should test before signing.
PCT statistics 2026: 275,900 applications and Latin America’s thin share
WIPO's PCT Yearly Review 2026: 275,900 applications in 2025, with Africa, Latin America and Oceania at 1.4%. Why that gap is an opportunity for Latin American…
European patent validation in Angola: what the EPO agreement means
Angola signed a validation agreement with the EPO on 23 June 2026 and Moldova joined the EPC. What it means for filings in Lusophone Africa and…
The UPC patent mediation and arbitration centre opens: what SMEs gain
The UPC's Patent Mediation and Arbitration Centre opened on 2 June 2026 in Ljubljana and Lisbon. What it handles, how it links to UPC litigation and…
Fujifilm v Kodak: the UPC’s long-arm jurisdiction and its limits
The UPC Court of Appeal confirmed in Fujifilm v Kodak that it can rule on UK designations when the defendant is in a UPC state, and…
