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.
OEPM grants for patents abroad: lessons from the 2026 call for the next one
What the OEPM's 2026 call funded for PCT, EPO and foreign national filings, who could apply, the documents that cause rejections and how to prepare for…
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.
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…
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.
Cross-border patent due diligence: ISO 56005 checklist for Europe and LatAm
A patent due diligence checklist based on ISO 56005 for deals across Europe and Latin America: chain of title, coverage, UPC opt-out, encumbrances, FTO and valuation.
Entering Latin America and Africa: first-to-file traps to avoid
Why distributors end up owning European brands in Latin America and Africa, the remedies in the Andean Community, Brazil and Mexico, and a five-step prevention plan.
EPO fee reductions for SMEs, micro-entities and Unitary Patent filers
Who qualifies for the EPO's 30% micro-entity and language fee reductions, how they combine, and who can claim EUR 500 for Unitary Patent translation costs.
WIPO mediation and arbitration for IP disputes: when and how to use them
When WIPO mediation and arbitration beat litigating an IP dispute in several countries, what they cost and how to draft the dispute resolution clause in cross-border…
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…
Global industrial property consulting: what an IP diagnostic should cover
Free EU tools such as the IP Diagnostic Tool and IP Cost Tool are a good start. What a full IP portfolio diagnostic must add, and…
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…
