Publications, press articles, rankings, awards
Stay of proceedings in case of parallel proceedings before the UPC and the EPO
In an order dated 8 January 2024, the Paris Central Division interpreted for the first time article 33 (10) of the Agreement concerning the stay of proceedings in the event of parallel proceedings likely to challenge the validity of the patent before the EPO.
Acceleration of opposition proceedings in cases of parallel court actions
The EPO will accelerate the processing of oppositions if it is informed of parallel infringement or revocation proceedings before the Unified Patent Court or a national court or competent authority of a contracting state.
Trademark protection for the Lego® toy figures: child’s play?
On 6 December 2023, the General Court of the European Union dismissed two invalidity actions brought by BB Services GmbH against two three-dimensional trademarks relating to toy figures, on the grounds that their shapes are not exclusively dictated by the nature of the product itself or by a shape necessary to obtain a technical result (General Court of the European Union judgements T-297/22 and T-298/22).
Notice from the EPO concerning Fee Changes effective on 1 April 2024
The EPO has published a simplified fee system newly introducing reduced fees for micro-entities.