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.
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…
The UPC patent mediation and arbitration centre opens: what SMEs gain
The UPC's Patent Mediation and Arbitration Centre opened on 2 June 2026 in Ljubljana and Lisbon. What it handles, how it links to UPC litigation and…
EU copyright review kicks off: what the DSM Directive review means
The Commission has opened the DSM Directive review and a targeted copyright initiative: AI licensing, live-event piracy, third-country music royalties and research.
Centralised trademark portfolio management: a practical operating model
Why a group with 25+ trademark registrations loses less with one coordinator than with separate local agents, and the six components of a centralised operating model.
Hague System: record or update the creator of an international design
From 1 July 2026, holders can record or update the creator of a Hague international design with form DM/10. What it allows, what it does not…
How the UDRP works: step-by-step guide to recovering a cybersquatted domain
How to recover a cybersquatted domain under the UDRP: the three elements to prove, each stage and deadline, official WIPO fees and the mistakes to avoid.
Who owns AI-assisted works? Human authorship rules in the EU, Spain and the US
Only humans can be authors in Spain, the EU, the US and Mexico. How copyright ownership works for AI-assisted content and what evidence of human contribution…
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.
EU counterfeit and piracy watch list: how to report non-EU marketplaces
The Commission's consultation for its next counterfeit and piracy watch list is open until 21 September 2026. What brand owners should file and why evidence matters.
Fujifilm v Kodak: the UPC’s long-arm jurisdiction and its limits
The UPC Court of Appeal confirmed in Fujifilm v Kodak that it can rule on UK designations when the defendant is in a UPC state, and…
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…
Defensive domain registration: the TLDs to secure in Europe and LatAm
Which domain extensions to secure before expanding between Europe and Latin America, the local presence rules for .eu, .es and .br, and how the TMCH helps.
