News
Client NanoSight Limited gains recognition | 30 January 2012
Our congratulations to NanoSight Limited, winners of the 2011 Business Innovation Award in the category of “Energy & Environment”. The award was presented by Vince Cable, the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.
Small is beautiful | 22 November 2011
The UK Government has announced the intention to introduce a new small claims service at the Patents County Court (“PCC”). This was one idea which was proposed in the recent Hargreaves Review of Intellectual Property.
The “Patent Box” – We lift the lid | 16 November 2011
The Government has announced plans to introduce a “Patent Box” – the effect of which is to reduce the rate of tax payable on profits attributable to patented inventions. We have summarised some of the salient features of the Patent Box and highlighted some issues you might wish to consider.
US Patent Law changes and a 15% increase in USPTO official fees | 6 October 2011
Previous news items (13th June and 12th September) have alerted our clients to some of the major changes proposed to US patent law. The Bill was signed by President Obama on 16th September as the Leahy-Smith “America Invents” Act. This is the “Effective date”, from which some of the Act’s provisions will commence, the majority of the changes however will be phased in over the next 12 months.
Client welcomes Hargreaves Report | 13 September 2011
In May 2011, the governement issued the Hargreaves Report . The Report includes a review of copyright law in which he refers to Martin Brennan’s situation in support of the recommendation that the law on copyright and intellectual property with regard to personal CD and music collections needs changing.
Changes in US Patent Law passed | 12 September 2011
Our earlier news item of 13th June 2011 mentioned some of the major changes expected to be introduced into US patent law. We have now heard that the Act was passed by Congress on 8th September, and President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law without delay.
Significant changes planned for Australian patent application laws | 11 July 2011
Significant changes are planned for the law governing patent applications in Australia. The effect of the changes will be to make it slightly more difficult to obtain granted patents in that country, by making examination of applications more rigorous. In addition, it is likely that the official examination fee will increase.
Substantive Changes in US Patent Law | 13 June 2011
Patent Law in the US has, for many years, differed from that in most of other countries in several important respects. Now that looks set to change, with new legislation pending before Congress coming into effect in 2012.
Earlier expiry of UK Trade Mark opposition periods | 17 February 2011
The UK Intellectual Property Office clarifies its position on opposition periods.
Vision of the Future | 7 February 2011
Ultravision CLPL, manufacturer and exporter of quality contact lenses announce global licensing agreement with US giant Bausch + Lomb.
Cheaper European patent protection in Hungary | 28 January 2011
On 1st January 2011, Hungary acceded to the London Agreement, which relates to the formalities required to make a European patent effective.
TV appearance for long-standing client | 17 January 2011
Congratulations to Professor Paul Davis for the valuable publicity he received when he was featured recently on BBC TV’s Breakfast News programme.
Unofficial payment requests | 1 December 2010
Clients warned about unsolicited mail requesting payment for inclusion on what seems to be an official register.
Cambridge client strikes oil technology deal in Middle East | 8 November 2010
Camcon Oil has signed a distribution agreement this month taking patented technology from East Anglia to the Middle East.
Martin Lipscombe to Judge at British Invention Show! | 14 October 2010
Partner, Martin Lipscombe judges this year’s crop of new ideas at the British Invention Show.
Serbia acceded to European Patent Convention (EPC) | 11 September 2010
Serbia has acceded to the European Patent Convention (EPC) and as of 1st October 2010 will become the 38th contracting state designated within a European patent application.
Nash Matthews supports Cambridge Phenomenon Conference | 9 July 2010
Nash Matthews is pleased to support the Cambridge Phenomenon Conference taking place on 5th October 2010. The event marks 50 years of innovation in Cambridge, involving rapid growth of high-tech industries in the area which became known as “The Cambridge Phenomenon”.
European Patent Office opinion reaffirms its approach to software patents | 12 May 2010
The Enlarged Board of Appeal of the European Patent Office (EPO) today issued its answers to questions referred to it by the President of the Office. The questions related to the patentability of computer programs under the European Patent Convention, which governs the grant of patents by the EPO.
Patent Office fees to rise | 1 March 2010
Official fees relating to patents and trade marks, set by the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) are set to rise as from 6th April this year.
New EPO Rules | 1 April 2010
Under new European Patent Office (EPO) rules that came into effect on 1st April, there has been a significant change in practice.