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.
OPENAI refused (T-555/25): how to name an AI product you can register
The General Court upheld the EUIPO refusal of OPENAI as descriptive (T-555/25, 15 July 2026). What it means for naming and registering AI products in the…
Can you protect an AI-generated logo? Copyright vs trademark registration
A Munich court denied copyright to AI-generated logos. Why trademark registration is the reliable way to protect an AI logo in the EU and Latin America,…
EU design filings in H1 2026: down 1% overall, Spain up 28%
EU design applications fell 1% in H1 2026 to 61,951, Spain grew 28% and China holds 28.5%. What a crowded, unexamined register means for your next…
Choosing IP correspondents in Latin America and Africa: criteria and control
Brazil, OAPI and many offices require local agents. How to choose IP correspondents in Latin America and Africa, compare their costs and keep control of quality.
How to file a customs application for action in the EU
How to file a free customs application for action in the EU through the IP Enforcement Portal: who can file, what data to give, deadlines after…
Regulation (EU) 2026/715: the codified EU Design Regulation and its fees
Regulation (EU) 2026/715 codifies EU design law from 1 July 2026: new article numbers, the official fee table and which contracts and templates to update.
Rosalía’s LUX refused: laudatory words and the “any EU language” test
The EUIPO refused Rosalía's LUX application because Romanian speakers read it as luxury. What the any-language rule means for Spanish and Latin American brand names.
EUIPO Guidelines 2026 in force: 7 changes for oppositions, use and GIs
The EUIPO Guidelines 2026 took effect on 1 July 2026. Seven changes for oppositions, proof of use and geographical indications, and what EU trade mark owners…
EUIPO guidelines 2026 for designs: priority invalidity and filing dates
The EUIPO 2026 Guidelines speed up uncontested design invalidity actions, detail online evidence and make a clear representation a filing-date requirement.
Counterfeit components in critical sectors: lessons from OLAF and EUIPO
OLAF and the EUIPO put counterfeit parts in aviation, energy and telecoms on the agenda. What manufacturers should change in distribution contracts and customs filings.
EU design reform July 2026: animated designs, 3D and video, up to 10 views
From 1 July 2026, EU design applications can use up to 10 views, a 3D model or a video. What phase 2 of the reform allows…
1 July 2026: EUIPO merges Easy Filing into standard design filing
From 1 July 2026 the EUIPO folds Easy Filing into its standard forms, the same day new design representation rules apply. What to file now and…
