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.
Entering Latin America and Africa: first-to-file traps to avoid
Why distributors end up owning European brands in Latin America and Africa, the remedies in the Andean Community, Brazil and Mexico, and a five-step prevention plan.
Counterfeits sold on social media (Instagram, TikTok Shop): how to act
How to act against counterfeits sold on Instagram, TikTok and TikTok Shop: DSA notices, evidence, repeat sellers, and when to move to court orders or customs.
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…
The Ⓓ symbol: how to mark products protected by a registered EU design
Holders of registered EU designs can mark products with Ⓓ. When the symbol may be used, how to apply it to products and packaging, and how…
IP in a cross-border joint venture: ownership, improvements and exit
Background vs foreground IP, improvements and exit: what an IP joint venture agreement must settle, with the default rules in Spain, Brazil and EU competition law.
3D printing and EU design rights: the exclusive right over printable files
Registered EU designs now cover printable files: creating, downloading, copying and sharing them can be prohibited. Scope, limits and how to act against 3D printing infringement.
Deferment of publication of an EU design: 30 months, fees and launch timing
Since 1 July 2026, EU design deferment must be paid at filing and publication is automatic after 30 months. Fees, protection during deferment and launch strategy.
EU design repair clause: what spare-part makers and OEMs can and cannot do
The repair clause excludes design protection for form-dependent spare parts used to restore original appearance. Scope, labelling duty and the 2027-2032 timeline.
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.
Unregistered EU design: three years of protection and when it is not enough
The unregistered EU design gives three years of protection against copying from first disclosure in the EU. How it works, its limits and when to register.
Cost of international trademark registration: budgeting 10 countries
A worked ten-country example with official WIPO and OEPM fees: what the Madrid route costs, which markets need national filings and what to budget after filing.
Protecting GUIs, icons and virtual products as EU designs after the reform
Since 1 July 2026, EU design law expressly covers GUIs, animated icons and virtual products. What qualifies, how to represent it and where filings go wrong.
