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Inventa collaborates on the Manual IP, published by Wolters Kluwer

Inventa's team has been contributing to the updating of several chapters related to African jurisdictions in the Manual IP, published annually by Wolters Kluwer International Group. Manual IP is formally known as “Manual for the Handling of Applications for Patents, Designs and Trademarks Throughout the World” and Inventa's contribution outlines the procedures and...

May 15, 2023

Announcement European Union Patent Industrial Design Trademark EUIPO Europe

SME Fund: EUIPO adds new IP vouchers

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) made available new forms of support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in the European Union. The SME Fund call for proposals is supported by the European Commission and the EUIPO, taking the form of IP vouchers that will co-finance IP-related activities. In addition to the previously available vouchers (1 and 2), the foll...

May 11, 2023

Opinion Patent Patent Internationalisation Africa

Using the African Regional Patent Offices to seek protection in enlarged markets

Introduction Africa has two Regional Patent Offices, the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) which may provide access to patent protection in a significant set of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. ARIPO (African Regional Intellectual Property Organization) is an intergovernmental organization with 22 member stat...

May 9, 2023

Vítor Sérgio Moreira

Opinion Trademark EUIPO

Burberry’s famous pattern denied by EUIPO for the metaverse

The trademark application for the world-renowned Burberry check pattern was partially refused for virtual clothing, accessories and other services. The reason? According to the EUIPO, the lack of distinctive character. Publish in Trademark Lawyer Magazine, and in a time when non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are conquering the world, Diogo Antunes reminds us that the process for registering tradema...

May 5, 2023

Diogo Antunes

Opinion Sweden Trademark Rights Defense Europe

Ikea’s legal action raises debate over IP in video games

Ikea, the Swedish furniture retailer with hundreds of stores around the globe, has threatened legal action against the developer of The Store Is Closed, a survival horror video game that takes place in an Ikea-like store. The game's lone developer studio based in the UK, who goes by the name ‘Ziggy’, released a successful Kickstarter campaign and a trailer for the game on Y...

May 4, 2023

Phillip Monteiro

Opinion WIPO

World IP Day 2023: Past, Present, and Future of Women in Intellectual Property

One of the most notable events for women in current affairs this year is undoubtedly the popular uprising in Iran. Uniting women and men from the country and around the world under the slogan "Woman, Life, Freedom," Iranian women have brought the issue of women's status at the center of the international community discussions. Fighting against an authoritarian regime that limits t...

April 26, 2023

Vera Albino

Announcement Portugal Trademark Europe

Inventa contributes to ICLG's 2023 edition of "Trade Marks Laws and Regulations" report

Vitor Palmela Fidalgo and Júlia Alves Coutinho authored the Portugal chapter for Trade Marks Laws and Regulations, published by the International Comparative Legal Guide (ICLG). Inventa contributed to this latest edition, providing an overview of trademark legislation and regulations in Portugal, including requirements, timelines, oppositions and other related rights. You can access t...

April 20, 2023

Opinion Libya Trademark Internationalisation Trademark Africa

Libya’s temporary suspension of trademark registrations by foreign applicants

Libya has imposed, by means of a directive, a restriction on foreigners registering trademarks in the country, with effect from November 1, 2022. The European Commission’s website states that “Libya’s trademark office has suspended the acceptance of trademark applications and registrations filed by foreign applicants”. According to the administrative directive of L...

April 19, 2023

Sofia Araújo

Press Release Portugal Spain Law

Leaders League Iberian Summit & Awards 2023

Organized by the Leaders League, the 2023 edition of the Iberian Summit & Awards took place on the 12th of April in Madrid, which brought together numerous business leaders from Spain and Portugal. Inês Monteiro Alves and Mariana Hazt Lencina represented Inventa at the event and had the chance to exchange insights on the Iberian legal industry, discuss emerging trends and follow the b...

April 14, 2023

Announcement Egypt Patent Africa

New increase on official fees in patent examination in Egypt

By a decree published in the Official Gazette no. 43, of 21 February 2023, the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has increased the examination fees for patent applications in Egypt. The Egyptian Patent Office, under the purview of the Ministry, will apply an examination fee of EGP 25.000,00 (around 800 USD), an increase of EGP 8.000 compared to the previous official...

April 12, 2023

Opinion Copyright Law Europe

Artificial Intelligence, Intellectual Property and Judicial System

The rise of artificial intelligence is revolutionising the field of law, including intellectual property law. As we navigate this new era of innovation, new rules should be considered for the use of AI by IP practitioners to avoid violations of fundamental rights. Published in the International In-House Counsel Journal, Vera Albino reflects on the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, na...

April 10, 2023

Vera Albino

Announcement Burundi Trademark Africa

New extension for trademark renewals in Burundi

Before 2009, all Burundi’s trademarks were registered for an indefinite term period. However, following the entry into force of the new IP Law in Burundi, on 28th July 2009, all marks registered before the enactment of the law were set to be renewed by 28 th July 2019. The new law allowed a time extension for renewal of the marks falling under this situation until 28th January 2020 and has e...

April 6, 2023

Jurisdiction