Each day the news reports of yet another invention powered by AI. We are living in a smart world. To be “connected” we own smart phones so we can text, call, read the news, listen to music, catch up on the latest entertainment and even pay for our shopping. The functions of our smart phones…
Since the Industrial Revolution we have burned increasing amounts of fossil fuels for energy. Coal, oil and gas have been the earth’s natural resources that the global population now relies upon to fuel industry and to power our homes, but times are changing. Global climate change, the increasing rise in oil and gas prices worldwide,…
A recent study carried out by the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) looks at trends in patent applications made to their offices in the last 20 years (2000 – 2020) and these findings were analysed and compared to patent activity at the European Patent Office (EPO). Overall patent applications to the UKIPO have dropped during…
The European Patent Office has recently published its decision as to why two European patent applications were refused, on the grounds that the inventor in each case was an AI creation, a machine, and not an actual person. The machine, called “DABUS”, was named as the inventor in the patent application. See the full article…
We’re all familiar with imitation handbags and dodgy ‘designer’ sunglasses that people might try to sell you while you’re on holiday but there are some common more everyday intellectual property issues out there that you may not have considered to pose an IP problem. You might have come across them under the guise of a…
There were many huge intellectual property cases in 2014. Some were mammoth due to the sheer size of awards, while others made a mark because of the products and services involved. As we begin to consider the cases that are likely to make the headlines in 2015 we take a little look back at three…
Why do I need a patent? If you’ve had a great idea for a new invention or you’re working hard on the development of one at the moment, it’s important to protect your invention with a patent to stop others copying your work. A patent means that no other company or individual can make, import,…
Most people know that that you can protect inventions with a patent, but the details are often shrouded in mystery. This guide introduces patents and takes you through the requirements for obtaining one. What is a patent? There are three main types of registered intellectual property: trademarks, registered designs, and patents. These rights protect entirely…
We often meet companies and individuals that have run into problems that could have been avoided if the right steps had been taken. Here are the top five causes of IP problems: 1. Not performing any trademark clearance searching Many people come up with great names for their businesses or products – memorable, inventive and…
As of April 2013 the UK government is offering a tax incentive to UK companies by reducing the rate of corporation tax payable on profits derived from patented technology to 10%. The 10% rate is not effective immediately, but the corporation tax rate for such profits will gradually reduce to reach 10 % in 2017.…
