The IP Federation allocates a part of its budget each year to support travel by members’ representatives on its behalf. Typically, such travel is to meet with government or patent office representatives or other professional bodies to put forward Federation views or to gain information or insights on behalf of the Federation. This Travel Policy describes the mechanism by which the IP Federation monitors and allocates this budget and approves such travel.

ISSN 2046-3049

Trends and Events is our annual publication in which the Federation reviews its previous twelve months’ activities. It provides an overview of those IP issues which engaged industry during that period and tries to look beyond current issues to identify future areas of interest, activity or con­troversy.

Following a huge amount of debate and controversy, the Intellectual Property Bill 2013–14 finally received Royal Assent on 14 May 2014. The majority of the provisions of the new Act came into force on 1 October 2014, including the ones which make the most difference to those of us practising in the field of IP. They are, inevitably, the introduction of new crim­inal sanctions for certain types of infringement of registered designs and the definition of those qualifying for UK unregistered design right. The IP Federation was heavily involved in lobbying activities which led to satisfactory amendments being made to the wording of the relevant provisions being considered by the House of Commons during January and March.

At the end of 2013, the Intellectual Property Regulation Board (IPReg) put together draft Competency Frameworks for patents and trade marks for consideration and comment by the relevant professions in the UK, and launched a formal consultation on simplifying and mod­ernising the examination system for qualifying as a UK patent attorney. 

This update summarises the main trade mark judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union from the last twelve months. Although perhaps none are radical, certain provide useful legal and practical guidance, whilst others lay the ground for potentially interesting national decisions.

The judgments have been classified into four broad categories: (i) those relating to exotic marks; (ii) two decisions with important practical consequences for brand owners; (iii) two judgments which consider “unfair advantage taking”; and finally (iv) two decisions considering the admissibility of evidence submitted out of time to OHIM.

An important initiative by the IPO a couple of years ago was the appointment of IP attachés to support UK businesses in China, India, Brazil, and Singapore (for South East Asia). The IP attaché network is managed and funded by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and supported in country by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).

ISSN 2046-3049

Trends and Events is our annual publication in which the Federation reviews its previous twelve months’ activities. It provides an overview of those IP issues which engaged industry during that period and tries to look beyond current issues to identify future areas of interest, activity or con­troversy.

One of the IP Federation’s chief lobbying tools is its policy papers. These are all available on the website at:

https://www.ipfederation.com/

The policy papers on the website represent the views of the innovative and influen­tial com­panies which are members of the Federation. Members are con­sulted on their views and opinions and encouraged to debate and explore issues of practice and policy. Only after consensus is achieved are external bodies informed of the col­lective views of industry via the Federation.

ISSN 2046-3049

Trends and Events is our annual publication in which the Federation reviews its previous twelve months’ activities. It provides an overview of those IP issues which engaged industry during that period and tries to look beyond current issues to identify future areas of interest, activity or con­troversy.

One of the IP Federation’s chief lobbying tools is its policy papers. These are all available on the website at:

https://www.ipfederation.com/

The policy papers on the website represent the views of the innovative and influential companies which are members of the Federation. Members are consulted on their views and opinions and encouraged to debate and explore issues of practice and policy. Only after consensus is achieved are external bodies informed of the collective views of industry via the Federation.