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.
AI-assisted inventions after DABUS: naming inventors at the EPO
The EPO accepts AI-assisted inventions, but only a natural person can be designated, and T 528/25 shows a contradictory designation sinks the application.
Cross-border IP due diligence: a checklist for Europe, LatAm and Africa
A phase-by-phase checklist for IP due diligence in deals across Europe, Latin America and Africa, and why unrecorded assignments and licences can undermine value.
Mexico industrial property regulations 2026: what changes from 22 July
Mexico's new LFPPI Regulations apply from 22 July 2026: licences must be recorded with IMPI to bind third parties, enforcement reaches platforms and accounts, and filing…
Kenya’s IP Bill 2026: one authority (KIPA) for trademarks and counterfeiting
Kenya's IP Bill 2026 would merge KIPI, KECOBO and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority into one authority, KIPA. The Trade Marks Act stays; who runs it and how…
Software copyright protection in the EU: what Directive 2009/24 covers
Directive 2009/24 protects code as a literary work, not ideas or interfaces. What is covered, what users may do and who owns code written by staff…
AliExpress DSA fine: what the €550m decision says about counterfeits
The Commission fined AliExpress €550m under the DSA, citing bypassable brand authorisation and penalised shops that kept selling. What brand owners can do now.
Article 50 guidelines: what brands and agencies must label as AI-generated
The Commission's Article 50 guidelines of 20 July 2026: who is a deployer, what counts as a deepfake, the creative exception and when AI text needs…
DesignView adds Ukraine: how to run a WIPO industrial design search
DesignView now holds 24.7 million designs after adding Ukraine. How to search it and WIPO's Global Design Database before you launch or file a design.
Ghana–USPTO Accelerated Patent Grant: fast-track patent routes in Africa
Ghana and the USPTO signed an Accelerated Patent Grant statement on 9 July 2026. How it works and how it compares with ARIPO, Global PPH, OAPI…
Mexico copyright law reform 2026: advertising, AI voice and software
Mexico's 2026 reform of its Federal Copyright Law limits advertising runs, protects performers' voice against AI cloning and covers AI software. What to update.
NIS2: Spain and Ireland go to the EU Court, and what it means for WHOIS
The Commission has referred Spain and Ireland to the EU Court over NIS2. What Article 28 requires on WHOIS data and what it means for brands…
Saudi Arabia ratifies the Riyadh Design Law Treaty: what will change
Saudi Arabia ratified the Riyadh Design Law Treaty on 8 July 2026. Four of 15 parties so far: what the treaty will harmonise and why foreign…
