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.
Copyright protection in Africa: OAPI, South Africa and Nigeria compared
How copyright works in the 17 OAPI states, South Africa and Nigeria: ownership, term, written assignments, fair use and collective licensing.
Patent strategy for tech startups: patent, utility model or trade secret?
What to patent, what to keep secret and where to file first: a decision framework for tech and SaaS SMEs, using the 30-month PCT calendar as…
Upcycling and trademark infringement: Paris rulings on Chanel and Hermès
Paris courts have rejected exhaustion for upcycled Chanel and Hermès items. What the rulings mean for resale, jewellery and fashion brands reusing branded parts.
Proof of copyright ownership without registration: what holds up in court
Registry, notary or time stamp? What each proves about authorship in Spain and the EU, how Mexico and Brazil compare, and how to combine them across…
Spain’s mandatory MASC step before suing: what it means for IP disputes
Since 3 April 2025, most civil claims in Spain, including IP infringement claims, need a prior negotiation attempt (MASC). Exceptions, deadlines, proof and costs.
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…
Copyright due diligence for cross-border deals: code, open source, content
How to check software ownership, open source compliance and content licences before an M&A deal or investment between the EU and Latin America, with a checklist.
Tokenised IP and NFTs under MiCA: what holders own and when MiCA applies
Buying an NFT does not transfer the copyright or the trade mark. What token holders really own, when MiCA applies to NFTs and tokenised IP, and…
Translating content for new markets: the copyright permissions you need
Translating is transforming: why localising content between Europe and Latin America needs a licence from the original owner and an assignment from the translator.
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.
One EU court, many countries: foreign IP claims after BSH v Electrolux
After BSH v Electrolux, an EU court at the defendant's domicile can hear infringement claims on patents of other EU and non-EU countries. What it means…
Pelham’s sample is pastiche: Germany’s top court closes Metall auf Metall
The BGH held on 3 September 2026 that Pelham's Kraftwerk sample is a lawful pastiche. What the CJEU test requires and where a licence is still…
