Articles

Long-awaited proposed amendments to Canada’s Trademarks Regulations were recently published in the Canada Gazette. The consultation is now open, and interested parties have until July 8, 2024 to provide their comments and suggestions.

A recent decision of the Federal Court highlights the importance of vigilance in preparing affidavit evidence for owners of a trademark subject to a non-use proceeding brought under section 45 of the Trademarks Act.

Last year’s establishment of the Unified Patent Court (UPC) marked a significant milestone in intellectual property (IP) law and Marks & Clerk has been active at the court, attending hearings and filing actions for our clients at the UPC. 

Registered designs in the EU and the UK can be used to provide quick and relatively inexpensive intellectual property (IP) protection. Unlike patents, registered designs protect the appearance of a product, rather than how it works; this protection can extend to the product’s shape, colour, texture, contours and so on. While registered designs are of course highly suitable for protecting visually appealing products, they can also be used to protect more “functional products”.

Stents, small expandable tubes used to treat narrowed or weakened blood vessels, play a crucial role in modern medicine. Despite their unassuming appearance, these life-saving devices drive a multi-billion dollar industry marked by continuous innovation and legal battles.

The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) has launched a new website and e-filing process for domain name complaints. The updates are welcome and serve both to streamline and clarify the content expected in the complaint process.

In a lawsuit filed by Siemens AG against Ningbo Qishuai Electrical Appliance Co., Ltd. and four others for trademark infringement and unfair competition involving the trademark "西门子" (Siemens in Chinese), the Supreme People's Court found the defendants guilty on both counts. The defendants refused to submit any financial data, but the Court imposed 100 million yuan (Approx. USD 13.8 million) in damages.

It is a familiar thought that the flap of a butterfly’s wing can change the course of history. In the latest in our series of Cambridge innovation articles, I wanted to consider how the wing of the butterfly might – at the very least! – have inspired one start-up to pioneer the future of man-made colour.

The evolution of rocket science, epitomised by the development of aerospike engines, represents a journey marked by ingenuity and innovation. From the foundational principles laid down by pioneers like Goddard to the modern advancements in additive manufacturing, each step has propelled us closer to unlocking the full potential of space exploration.