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Data libraries are not eligible for protection as computer programs
A judgment handed down by the Barcelona Provincial Appellate Court on April 7, 2021 sheds more light on the scope of protection of computer programs by clarifying that data libraries included in programs are not eligible for protection as part of the programs but rather, where applicable, must seek the protection afforded to databases […]
Coffee capsules, reels and vacuum cleaner bags: Can you protect the industrial design of components?
In a recent decision, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) analyzed a case involving replacement vacuum cleaner bags and their protection as industrial property. Whether or not these types of products or components can be protected as industrial designs must be addressed case by case. The legal protection of industrial designs mainly covers aesthetics, […]
World Intellectual Property Indicators 2020 or how all roads lead to China (ii): trademarks, industrial designs and creative industry
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has published its World Intellectual Property Indicators Report 2020, which contains valuable information on changes in intellectual property indicators and trends worldwide, from 2018 to 2019, as we discussed in this post. Since these changes have an impact on various different industries and on the economy in general, in […]
Psssssssssssssssssssch’ sound mark canned: first GCEU decision on a sound mark
What do the Rolls Royce, Lady Gaga and TikTok trade marks have in common? They all indicate the business origin of the goods and services in connection with which they are used. However, some trade marks –as their owners– are less ‘conventional’ than others. Most marks consist of words or numerals, graphic elements or […]
Your domain name, your identity: the risks of not protecting it for your brand image
In the current context, the use of domain names is essential so that consumers from any part of the world can access the products and services of companies on the Internet. They allow companies to promote their brand image and connect with the community around them. Domain names are a valuable form of identity and […]
‘Made in China’ goes standard: a reform of the industrial design protection system is bringing the Asian giant into line with international norms
China has taken a further step towards aligning its regulations with the international protection system for designs. On June 1, 2021, the most recent reform of the country’s Patent Act entered into force, which includes significant changes to how industrial designs are regulated. The legal text, dating from 1985, has been reformed on three previous occasions […]