EU: A Major Step Ahead towards European IP Law Harmonization: European Court Does Not Limit Moral Compensation in the Liffers Case
With its 17 March 2016 decision (case C-99/15), the European Court of Justice (hereinafter “ECJ”) has taken an important step towards European IP law harmonization, clearing all the doubts that were raised among scholars and European national courts.
European Union: Trademark Regulation gives a one-time chance to broaden the protection of your (2012) Community trademark
The new European Union Regulation no. 2015/2424 (article 28) that is introducing a new set of rules for community trademarks, including its own renaming (to European Union Trademark), is allowing owners of community trademarks applied for before 22 June 2012 to change (boost) the list of goods or services, without requiring the payment of an additional official fee.
São Tomé and Príncipe Joins the Banjul Protocol (ARIPO)
As from the 27th of February 2016, São Tomé and Principe will effectively become a member of ARIPO. It will therefore be possible to designate São Tomé and Príncipe in an ARIPO application filed on or after the 19th of August 2014.
The government of S. Tomé and Príncipe deposited its instrument of Accession to the Banjul Protocol on the 27th of November of 2015.
The accession of São Tomé and Príncipe makes it the 18th member state party to the Harare Protocol (patents, industrial designs and utility models).
OAPI: Scotch Whiskey is granted as a Geographical Indication
Scotch Whiskey will now boast an increased level of protection against falsified products within OAPI countries. The spirit drink which is produced in Scotland, is widely protected and registered as a geographical indication around the world has now proceeded to do the same within the members of the Organisation Africaine de la Propriete Intellectuelle (OAPI), which covers a vast area of the African continent.
US: Intellectual Property implications about the Volkswagen cheating scandal
In the last six years, VW has been cheating on the emissions testing for its cars. The cars' software was able to detect when they were being tested, changing their engines to look much cleaner than they were. This scandal that has been stirred the world, also has great effects in the Intellectual Property field.
Portugal signs the Geneva Act on Designations of Origin and Geographical Indications
Past 5th of August, Portugal has signed the Geneva Act, which amends the Lisbon Agreement and that protects Designations of Origin and Geographical Indications.
African Free Trade Zone – From Cape to Cairo
Past June 10th, African leaders have agreed to establish a large free trade zone that will cover 26 African countries, including large regional economies, including Egypt, South Africa and Angola, large countries by land area, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo or Sudan, but also small insular countries, such as Seychelles, Comoros or Mauritius.
US to ease Cuban trade embargo: Intellectual Property gold rush?
Several negotiations between the governments of the US and Cuba are warming up Cold War reminiscences that to this day still impact the travel of persons, goods and money between this Caribbean island and the US.
MOROCCO: New Law on Industrial Property
On December the 18th 2014, the Act that governed Industrial Property in Morocco (Act No. 17/97) was amended by the new Industrial Property Law No. 23-13. This new Law came into full force on January the 15th 2015. This transition enhanced Industrial Property rights in Morocco in order to meet current international standards.
The main adjustments introduced into this new law include: