Welcome to Mathys Matters - your monthly update from Mathys & Squire, covering all the recent intellectual property and sector news/updates throughout July!
This month we’re shining a spotlight on the Court of Appeal judgement on the Emotional Perception High Court ruling.
Our latest articles throughout July include: information on the launch of the UKIPO's new SEP Resource Hub, a discussion on the rise of patents being granted by the EPO which have been converted to Unitary Patents, commentary on IP and the alternative proteins industry, and a look at the increase of the number of national security patents filed.
Scroll down to read more!
SPOTLIGHT OF THE MONTH
- Emotional Perception High Court ruling overturned by Court of Appeal -
On 19 July 2024, the Court of Appeal under Lord Justice Birss handed down its judgement on the case of Comptroller – General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks v Emotional Perception AI Limited [2024] EWCA Civ 825.
The Court of Appeal judgement overturns the first instance decision of the High Court and upholds the decision of the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) Hearing Officer. In response to the issuance of the decision, the UKIPO has suspended its guidance on the examination of patent applications relating to artificial intelligence.
Managing Associate Adam Gilbertson and Partners Max Thoma and Dani Kramer provide an update on the case.
As Mathys & Squire reported in 2022, the UKIPO has been working with stakeholders to assist in the challenges faced by industry with respect to standards essential patents (SEPs). This work has resulted in the recent launch of the UKIPO’s “SEPs Resource Hub”. In this article, Associate Michael Charlton and Partner Jeremy Smith outline what the new hub seeks to offer.
Ever more patent proprietors opting for the Unitary Patent
25 July 2024
Since March, the rate at which European patents granted by the European Patent Office (EPO) are converted to Unitary Patents has risen from 18% to 24.3%, an increase of 35%. In this article, Partner Nicholas Fox discusses the changes in the rates of Unitary Patent conversion and how the rate of increase has been far more significant in some technology than others.
Mathys & Squire Partners discuss the importance of protecting IP in the alternative proteins industry
18 July 2024
Mathys & Squire Partners Laura Clews and Chris Hamer were recently interviewed by Protein Production Technology International (PPTI) and provided commentary on various issues relating to IP and trends in the alternative proteins industry. In this article, Partners Laura Clews and Chris Hamer outline recent innovations in the protein field, what can be protected, the market share in the industry, and why it is important to protect your IP.
Filings of secret ‘National Security’ patents increase 36% in a year amid military tech developments
08 July 2024
The number of secret ‘National Security’ patents filed in the UK – those deemed by the government to be critical to defence of the country – has increased 36% from 45 in 2021 to 61 in 2022. Commentary by Partner Andrew White has been featured in Solicitors Journal, Law360, The Patent Lawyer Magazine and The Global Legal Post, discussing how an increase in defence spending is thought to be driving a rise in the number of national security patent filings.
