The world of IP
The world of IP is rapidly changing. Nowadays we live in an IP driven economy. This section headlines particular items which we believe merit your attention, news items not only from the United Kingdom but from jurisdictions worldwide. For a more in-depth analyis of some of these items, please click on the Hot Topics section of the site. And, of course, please contact us if there is any matter on which you would like our view or analysis!
IP News
EU Patents Court Hits a Hurdle...
23 August 2010
The Advocate General (AG) of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has come out against the proposed new central European and European Union Patents Court (EEUPC). Although not binding on the ECJ itself, the opinion must be seen as a blow to those hoping for the court and a unified patent litigation system. One of the main problems is that any litigation would be in one of the EPC languages - English, French or German, and this does not sit well with the provisions of the European Treaty. No doubt some countries will be pleased, but experts in the law are downhearted.
While the ECJ may well not follow the AG this is unlikely, and with the front foot hitting the hurdle, it seems as if the runner is about to fall.
Dyson - That Sucks! Vax vacuum cleaner does not infringe Dyson design...
8 August 2010
The UK High Court has ruled that the Mach Zen cylinder vacuum cleaner marketed by Vax did not infringe a UK registered design filed by Dyson to protect its own DC02 model. Vax are delighted that the court has followed previous cases, and viewed the similarity of the design and the alleged infringing product from the eye of the consumer, whilst Dyson have stated that they view the decision as "disappointing". James Dyson's comments in January that the Chinese owned company had "flagrantly" copied its designs have - for the time being - been found to be incorrect.
For more information, please contact Alison Simpson on the email below.
aefs@udl.co.uk
