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.
Criminal or civil? Choosing the right route against counterfeiters in Spain
Criminal complaint or civil claim against counterfeiters in Spain? Penalties, damages, the suspension rule and the MASC requirement compared, with practical criteria.
Like Company v Google: the first CJEU case on generative AI, explained
The first CJEU case on generative AI asks whether training is reproduction, whether chatbot outputs need licences and how far the TDM exception goes. What is…
Global trademark protection for tech and AI brands: classes 9/42 and Madrid
Class 9 was the most specified Madrid class in 2025. How SaaS and AI firms should draft classes 9 and 42 and fill the Latin American…
DesignEuropa Awards 2026: Spain’s Showee wins the Public Choice Award
Spain's Showee won the first Public Choice Award at the DesignEuropa Awards 2026. The winners, the EU design entry rule and the protection lessons for SMEs.
1,616 gTLD applications confirmed: build your watchlist before Reveal Day
ICANN confirms 1,616 of 1,663 applications proceed in the 2026 gTLD round. What Reveal Day will publish and how to build a string watchlist in advance.
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.
Getty v Stability AI explained: are model weights “infringing copies”?
The High Court held that Stable Diffusion's weights are not an infringing copy because the model stores no works. What was decided, what Getty's appeal could…
Cross-border IP valuation: methods, pitfalls and jurisdiction risk
Income, market and cost methods give different figures, and value falls where rights are missing, unused or unrecorded. What to check before an M&A, licence or…
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…
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.
Canal+ and LaLiga’s anti-piracy alliance: private enforcement in Africa
LaLiga and Canal+ will share intelligence and coordinate action against piracy in nearly 50 countries. What it means for rights holders enforcing in Africa.
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…
