Digital and social

Commission opens consultation on Technology Transfer Block Exemption Regulation

The European Commission has initiated a comprehensive review of Regulation (EU) 316/2014, the Technology Transfer Block Exemption Regulation (TTBER) and accompanying Guidelines. The Commission has completed the evaluation phase in November 2024, which included public consultations, a stakeholder workshop, and a support study. It has now entered the impact assessment phase, with a call for evidence and public consultation open until 25 April 2025. The review aims to determine whether to let the TTBER expire on 30 April 2026, extend it, or amend it. This process is crucial for companies involved in technology transfer agreements within the EU.

IP weekly highlights—30 January 2025

This week's edition of IP weekly highlights includes: a hand-picked summary of news analysis, updates and new content from the world of IP. These highlights focus on the key rights of copyright and associated rights, database rights, trade marks and passing off, designs, and patents as well as covering issues relating to confidential information, know-how R&D and IP disputes all mainly from a UK and European perspective.

WIPO publishes ADR highlights for 2024

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has published its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) highlights for 2024. In 2024, the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center (WIPO AMC) handled 858 intellectual property (IP), innovation, and technology disputes, representing a 25% increase from 2023. Of the 287 cases referred to WIPO ADR procedures, copyright and digital content (48%) were predominant, followed by trademarks (29%) and patents (10%). Small and Midsized Enterprises (SMEs), including startups and creators, comprised half of the disputing parties, with the remaining cases involving large companies and other entities. Notably, the WIPO Deal Mediation facilitated licensing for large telecom patent portfolios. WIPO also continued its collaboration with national courts and IP offices, such as in China, France, and Tanzania, promoting mediation for IP disputes. In 2024, the WIPO Shanghai Service administered 48 mediations, reflecting a 30% increase from the previous year. Furthermore WIPO's ADR Co-administration programme expanded, resolving 559 disputes, mainly concerning copyright and digital content. The WIPO Domain Name Service continued to perform strongly, with 6,168 cases filed, addressing cybersquatting and fraudulent domain name practices. Lastly, WIPO engaged in over 100 outreach activities in 2024, covering key sectors like digital copyright, AI, and life sciences.

IPO updates examining AI patent applications guidelines following Emotional Perception Court of Appeal judgment

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has updated its guidelines for examining patent applications relating to artificial intelligence (AI) inventions. The update incorporates changes resulting from the Court of Appeal's judgment in Emotional Perception AI Ltd v Comptroller-General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks [2024] EWCA Civ 825. Specific paragraphs have been added or edited, including paragraphs 4.4 to 4.7, 4.23 to 4.28, 5.12, 5.33 to 5.37, 7 to 7.10, 8.5, and 8.6. The scenarios applying these guidelines have also been updated, with scenarios 13 to 15 reclassified as excluded subject matter, while scenarios 16 and 17 have been updated to reflect the judgment.