Litigation

The Copyright Amendment Bill (CAB) in South Africa has been one of the most debated legislative proposals in recent years, aiming to modernise the country’s copyright framework.

As of 2024, the bill is among 20 pieces of legislation awaiting President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signature, but its enactment has been delayed due to concerns over its constitutionality. The bill has been referred to the Constitutional Court for review, a decision that will significantly impact South Africa’s creative and intellectual property landscape.

Occasionally, the principle of morality, as outlined in Article 7(1)(f) of the European Union Trademark Regulation (EUTMR), prompts discussions regarding its interpretation.

Since this principle is grounded in subjective values that rely on the fundamental ethical norms accepted by civilised society at any given time, it must be constantly reassessed, reconsidered and even modernised.

The webinar “Protect Your IP with IT and Inventa: Software Patents and Artificial Intelligence” took place on February 26, with the participation of Inventa.

The event was held at the Telecommunications Institute (IT) in Lisbon and highlighted the main challenges and opportunities in protecting computer-implemented inventions, including those driven by Artificial Intelligence.

The global luxury market is expanding, and Africa is increasingly becoming a key area of interest for high-end brands. The continent’s growing middle class, economic diversification, and burgeoning urban centers present significant opportunities for luxury brands to establish a presence. However, the protection of these brands requires robust IP strategies, particularly in markets where counterfeit goods and weak enforcement mechanisms remain prevalent.

The scope of the challenge

On November 12, 2024, the European Union (EU) General Court’s Fourth Board of Appeal issued its decision in case R 1165/2020-4. This case highlights the vital relationship between the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the judicial mechanisms of the EU, particularly the role of the General Court.

The Global Innovation Index 2024, launched by WIPO includes a new indicator that compares an economy's level of development with the impact of its social enterprises, recognizing these ventures for their ability to drive transformative innovation across sectors. These enterprises, often overlooked in traditional models, are contributing significantly to GDP and societal progress by addressing global challenges through innovative solutions.

In the picturesque region of Aveiro, Portugal, where tradition is as rich as the history that surrounds it, a legal battle has been brewing over one of the country’s most cherished delicacies: Ovos Moles de Aveiro.

This sweet treat, known for its delicate shell and rich egg yolk filling, has long been a symbol of the region, with European Union protected geographical indication (PGI) status. But in recent years, this protection was put to the test in a case that has sparked debate over the limits of geographical indications and the protection of traditional products.

The 2024 edition of The Legal 500: Intellectual Property Comparative Guide is now available, featuring insights from Vítor Palmela Fidalgo and João Pereira Cabral on Intellectual Property laws and regulations in Portugal.

This comparative guide delivers an up-to-date overview of intellectual property law and practice across numerous jurisdictions.

For more details, explore the Portugal chapter in the 2024 Legal 500: Intellectual Property Comparative Guide here.

Each year, on August 13, Tunisia observes National Women's Day, a significant occasion marking the anniversary of the 1956 promulgation of the Code of Personal Status. This landmark legal framework was pivotal in granting Tunisian women rights and freedoms that were unparalleled in the Arab world, setting a precedent for gender equality and women's rights.

Financial technology (fintech) encompasses many innovations, including mobile payment platforms, blockchain-based solutions, algorithmic trading systems, and peer-to-peer lending platforms, among others.

The protection of fintech innovations is critically dependent on a robust framework of intellectual property (IP) rights. These include patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets, all of which are instrumental in safeguarding unique technologies, business practices, and brand identities essential for progress.