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.
WIPO Assemblies 2026: where global copyright talks stand
The 2026 WIPO Assemblies took note of the SCCR report and asked it to keep working: no broadcasting treaty, no exceptions instrument, AI still under study.
Publishers v Google over Gemini: scope-limited licences and your deals
Hachette, Cengage, Elsevier and Scott Turow sued Google on 10 July 2026 over Gemini training. Why the scope-limited licence theory matters for content licensing in Europe.
UPC costs for SMEs: fee reductions, recoverable costs and security
Small firms pay 50% of UPC fees since 2026, but La Siddhi v Athena confirms SME status is no shield against security for costs. Fees, ceilings…
Public domain here, protected there: CJEU Anne Frank geo-blocking ruling
The CJEU's Anne Frank ruling (C-788/24): a work in the public domain in some EU countries can be published online if effective geo-blocking keeps out users…
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.
Copyright registration in Spain: step-by-step guide and 2026 fees
Registering a work with Spain's Intellectual Property Registry is voluntary but creates a presumption of ownership. Where to file, what to submit and the 2026 fees.
Intercompany IP licensing: what IP managers need to know
How licences between group companies affect use, recordal and enforcement of marks and patents in the EU, Spain, Brazil and Mexico, and what IP managers should…
South Africa Copyright Amendment Bill: court upholds fair use, strikes 12D
South Africa's Constitutional Court upheld fair use and the software exception but struck down the broad educational exceptions. The Bill returns to Parliament.
Global patent portfolio management: deadlines, annuities and local agents
How to run PCT, European, unitary and national patent deadlines and annuities from one calendar across Europe, Latin America and Africa without losing rights.
MiCA transition ends on 1 July: tokenised IP, NFT projects and brand tokens
From 1 July 2026 only authorised crypto-asset service providers can serve EU clients. How MiCA treats tokenised licences, royalty tokens, NFT collections and brand tokens.
How courts set FRAND rates: what the EPO’s new study means for implementers
The EPO's study of 65 FRAND decisions shows courts favour comparable licences, with top-down as a cross-check. What SEP implementers should test before signing.
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.
