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.
IP assignment vs licence: differences, risks and recordal requirements
An assignment transfers ownership; a licence grants permission. How the choice affects enforcement and what EUIPO, OEPM, WIPO and the EPO require you to record.
Global industrial property consulting: what an IP diagnostic should cover
Free EU tools such as the IP Diagnostic Tool and IP Cost Tool are a good start. What a full IP portfolio diagnostic must add, and…
Shape marks after Tetra Laval (T-104/25): when packaging cannot be a trade mark
The General Court invalidated Tetra Laval's octagonal carton mark (T-104/25) because its shape is technically functional. Why packaging needs design, patent and trade mark layers.
Big brands still advertise on piracy sites: EUIPO’s 2025 report explained
EUIPO's 2025 ad-monitoring report: major brands reached 36% of ad impressions on infringing websites, which earned an estimated EUR 382 million. How to respond.
Registered Community design is now the EU design: what changes for you
Registered Community designs are now registered EU designs. What changes for renewals, licences, contracts and marking, and what stays exactly the same.
Cross-border IP contracting in Iberia: licences, assignments and recordals
Licensing or assigning IP across Spain and Portugal? The written-form, recordal and default rules that differ between Spain and Portugal, and the clauses to fix.
Trade Secrets Directive evaluation: ten years on, what to audit now
The Commission's evaluation of the Trade Secrets Directive was due on 9 June 2026. What the Directive protects and how cross-border groups should test their reasonable…
IP holding structures: where should a group centralise ownership of its IP?
Which group company should own your trade marks, patents and software? Ownership models, recordal rules, Madrid limits and intra-group licences explained.
Global trademark protection: EU trade mark, Madrid or national filings?
EU trade mark, Madrid System or national filings? How to combine the three routes when a brand enters the EU, Latin America and Africa, and where…
