Hot Topics

Intellectual Property is playing an increasingly important part in business development. In this section we aim to provide you with updates about some of the most important aspects of Intellectual Property that are being talked about both in business and in the profession. To obtain our Hot Topic update about any of the subjects listed, please click on the relevant PDF tab.

The London 2012 Games - Protecting the Brands...

This Hot Topic looks at branding aspects of the 2012 London Games. The temptation to cash in on the Games will be great, but the very strict rules and regulations in connection with hosting the Games mean that it will be extremely dificult for businesses to try and associate themselves with the Games unless they are officially authorised to do so. Even spectators will need to be aware of branding rights. Anna Szpek and Mark Green of UDL's London office discuss the issues.

Using Chinese Customs Recordal of IP Rights in Preventing Counterfeiting...

The importance of Intellectual Property registration in China is now well understood, but the actual enforcement of Chinese Intellectual Property rights, specifically design, trademark and copyright rights, can be effectively achieved by way of recordal of these rights with the China Customs Authority. Customs recordal is an effective mechanism to fight against counterfeiting. It is also a strategic mechanism to prevent suppliers from using the client's rights in an unauthorized manner. How does the process work in practice, and what action needs to be taken?.

Patent Box Update...

In June 2011 the UK Treasury released further details of the "Patent Box", which is the proposed 10% corporate tax regime for profits derived from patents from 1 April 2013.

Chinese Agreements...

With an increasing amount of manufacturing being undertaken in China and the prevalence of joint ventures with Chinese businesses, a recent decision by The Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People's Court comes as a reminder of the importance of respecting local practices when entering into agreements with Chinese companies.