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.
PCT national phase costs in Latin America: Colombia, Mexico, Brazil 2026
Official 2026 fees, deadlines and hidden costs for entering Colombia, Mexico and Brazil from a PCT application, with practical tips to keep the Latin American budget…
Madrid Protocol individual fees: four changes notified in September 2026
WIPO notified four individual fee changes in September 2026: Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Israel and Canada. New CHF amounts, start dates and a three-class budget.
INPI Brazil’s new Patent Services Module: what changes for PCT entries
From 16 September 2026, PCT national phase entries in Brazil are filed in INPI's Patent Services Module, with the GRU fee slip paid in the same…
How much does a UDRP cost in 2026? Standard, expedited and refund rules
What a UDRP costs at WIPO in 2026: standard and three-member fees, the USD 4,000 expedited track, refunds when a case ends early and ccTLD comparisons.
Spain and Portugal: national design at OEPM or straight to an EU design?
OEPM, INPI Portugal or EUIPO? Official fees, renewals over 25 years, oppositions and the pending reform of Law 20/2003, compared to choose the right design route…
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 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.
Industrial designs in Africa: OAPI, ARIPO, Hague and national offices
Hague reaches OAPI's 17 states, Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia; ARIPO covers 20 states including Kenya; South Africa and Nigeria need national filings. A route map for…
Morocco, Egypt and South Africa: three gateways for IP in Africa
Morocco, Egypt and South Africa sit outside OAPI and ARIPO. Which WIPO systems reach each market, where national filings are unavoidable and what to plan.
