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.
What are IP legal services? Licensing, enforcement, litigation, compliance
IP legal services explained: how licensing, recordals, enforcement, litigation, arbitration and compliance differ from registration, and when your business needs them.
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.
Trade secret protection in Spain: a reasonable-measures checklist
Under Spain's Law 1/2019 there is no trade secret without reasonable measures. A practical checklist, the three-year deadline and the UPC confidentiality trap.
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…
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.
IP preliminary injunctions in Spain and the EU: proof, timing and security
What Spanish courts require for IP interim measures, how fast they can act, how security is set and what EU trade mark courts and the UPC…
Patents in Spain and Portugal: Portugal is in the UPC, Spain is not
A Unitary Patent covers Portugal but not Spain. How to combine unitary, European and national routes, translation deadlines and courts in one Iberian plan.
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…
Guardant v Sophia Genetics: UPC appeal court refuses a late injunction
The UPC Court of Appeal refused Guardant a preliminary injunction because it waited nearly three months. What the order says about urgency, multiple patents and costs.
Silimed v Polytech: an opt-out by the wrong owner still locks out the UPC
Brazilian Silimed won its European patent back in Germany, but an opt-out filed by the old owner and a prior national revocation action kept it out…
How courts set FRAND rates: what the EPO’s new study means for implementers
The EPO's study of 65 FRAND decisions shows courts favour comparable licences, with top-down as a cross-check. What SEP implementers should test before signing.
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…
