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.
OEPM grants for patents abroad: lessons from the 2026 call for the next one
What the OEPM's 2026 call funded for PCT, EPO and foreign national filings, who could apply, the documents that cause rejections and how to prepare for…
EPO PACE from 1 October 2026: bulk MyEPO requests, examination only
From 1 October 2026, PACE requests can be filed in MyEPO individually or in bulk. Acceleration covers examination only, is free and ends if you ask…
Patent annuity management in 25 countries: centralise payments, avoid lapses
Due dates, grace periods and restoration rules for patent annuities at the EPO, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and the Andean Community, and how to centralise them.
Patent strategy for tech startups: patent, utility model or trade secret?
What to patent, what to keep secret and where to file first: a decision framework for tech and SaaS SMEs, using the 30-month PCT calendar as…
Unitary Patent vs European patent validations: a cost guide for SMEs
One renewal fee for 18 EU states, under EUR 5,000 in ten years, or country-by-country validation? How SMEs and non-EU groups should choose.
EPO electronic filing mandatory from April 2027: checklist for non-Europeans
From 1 April 2027 the EPO requires electronic filing and notification. What changes under CA/D 2/26 and a readiness checklist for applicants in Latin America and…
Cross-border patent due diligence: ISO 56005 checklist for Europe and LatAm
A patent due diligence checklist based on ISO 56005 for deals across Europe and Latin America: chain of title, coverage, UPC opt-out, encumbrances, FTO and valuation.
G 1/25 decided: when the EPO still requires adapting the description
The Enlarged Board's G 1/25 of 3 September 2026 limits adaptation of the description to inconsistencies that breach the EPC. What it means for EP and…
IP in corporate reorganisations: intragroup assignments and recordals
After a merger or intragroup transfer, every register must show the new owner. What EUIPO, WIPO, OEPM, the EPO and Latin American offices require, and what…
EPO fee reductions for SMEs, micro-entities and Unitary Patent filers
Who qualifies for the EPO's 30% micro-entity and language fee reductions, how they combine, and who can claim EUR 500 for Unitary Patent translation costs.
PPH between the EPO and Latin America: how to fast-track examination
The EPO's PPH programmes with Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru: status, requirements, the EPO timing trap and how the reverse direction works.
Multi-jurisdiction IP strategy: a decision matrix for filing routes
National, regional or international? A decision matrix for trademarks, designs and patents across Europe, Latin America and Africa, based on WIPO lists.
