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Upcoming Changes to European Patent Examination Procedures
Recently, the European Patent Office (“EPO”) announced changes to the rules of the European Patent Convention (“EPC” ) as part of the EPO's initiative to speed up patent examination. The new EPC rules, which will be effective on April 1, 2010, will drastically restrict how a patent applicant is able to file divisional patent applications and will increase the patent applicant's obligations to provide information to the EPO during patent examination.
More specifically, these rule changes implement: 1) time limits for filing divisional European patent applications; 2) compulsory responses to European search reports and written opinions of the EPO acting as the International Searching Authority (“ISA”) in European patent applications; 3) a requirement that the basis in the original text of a European patent application be provided for all amendments; 4) restrictions on a patent applicant's right to make voluntary amendments; 5) a requirement, for European patent applications containing more than one independent claim in the same category, that patent applicants identify which claims are to be searched; and 6) a requirement, for claims the EPO considers too broad or unclear on which to carry out a meaningful search, that the patent applicant indicate which subject matter should be searched.
The Article 8 Opt In
The Article 8 opt-in election adds an additional layer of complexity to the already labyrinthine rules governing perfection of security interests under the UCC. A lender that is unaware of the nuances created by the opt in (may find its security interest vulnerable to being primed by another party that has taken steps to perfect in a superior manner under the circumstances.
Major Differences In UK, U.S. Copyright Laws
This article highlights how copyright law in the United Kingdom differs from U.S. copyright law, and points out differences that may be crucial to entertainment and media businesses familiar with U.S law that are interested in operating in the United Kingdom or under UK law. The article also briefly addresses contrasts in UK and U.S. trademark law.
Beach Boys Songs Written Decades Ago Triggered Current Quarrel With Lawyers
There's current litigation in the ongoing Beach Boys litigation saga. A lawsuit filed in 2019 against Nevada residents Mike Love and his wife Jacquelyne in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada that alleges inaccurate payment by the Loves under the retainer agreement and seeks $84.5 million in damages.
Strategy vs. Tactics: Two Sides of a Difficult Coin
With each successive large-scale cyber attack, it is slowly becoming clear that ransomware attacks are targeting the critical infrastructure of the most powerful country on the planet. Understanding the strategy, and tactics of our opponents, as well as the strategy and the tactics we implement as a response are vital to victory.
Transfer Tax Implications on Real Property Leases
The real property transfer tax does not apply to all leases, and understanding the tax rules of the applicable jurisdiction can allow parties to plan ahead to avoid unnecessary tax liability.