The IPKat

Here is your Sunday summary of IPKat news and events.A reminder that the rescheduled 2026 edition of Retromark: the conference takes place on Tuesday 23 June at the Moorgate offices of Simmons & Simmons from 2pm. Gordon Humphreys, EUIPO Board of Appeal, will deliver the keynote speech. Sign up here.The University of Liverpool School of Law and Social Justice invites applicat...

On 21 May, the First Board of Appeal (BoA) of the EUIPO delivered a decision, concerning whether the sign “MICKEY IS FREE!” creates a likelihood of confusion with Disney’s figurative MICKEY mark and thus should be refused registration under Article 8(1)(b) of the EU Trade Mark Regulation (EUTMR). BackgroundIn August 2024, Karl Erik Dahl (applicant) filed an application to regist...

The Full Federal Court of Australia recently held in The NOCO Company v Brown and Watson International Pty Ltd [2026] FCAFC 44 that the "best method" requirement is assessed based on the applicant's knowledge at the time of filing the divisional application (IPKat). Unfortunately, the patentee did not seek leave to appeal this highly controversial decision, which means that if a...

Kat enjoying tea outdoors.In the second half of May, IPKat had something for every IP taste. If spring has kept you busy outdoors, here’s your round‑up:Artificial IntelligenceRose Hughes explored the topic of shadow use of AI as a growing and dangerous consequence of restricting AI access within the patent profession.PatentsRose Hughes analysed the differing US and European appr...

The IPKat has received and is pleased to host the review of Criminal Intellectual Property Enforcement in Asia: Sources, Significance and Side-Effects edited by Kung-Chung Liu and Tianxiang He. This book review has been prepared by Katfriend Niharika Salar (PhD candidate, Queen's University Belfast). Here is what Niharika writes:The book is available in hardback and ebook"T...