Knowledge

13.05.2025

Intellectual Property - and especially patents - can be key to the success of an innovation-led company, but protecting it can be costly. Start-ups inevitably face challenges in balancing the value of IP against the cost of protection. We provide some creative tips for managing IP in an innovation-led start-up, with a particular focus on patents and other types of IP arising from inventive activity.

02.05.2025

The introduction of the Unified Patent Court (UPC) has brought significant changes to the European patent landscape. This article, written by Nathaniel Taylor (of Keltie's Opposition and Appeals team), takes a closer look at the impact of the UPC on opposition proceedings at the European Patent Office (EPO). The article draws on a full year's worth of opposition data - available as of 1 April 2025 - for European patents granted since the Unitary Patent system began (i.e., European patents granted between 1 June 2023 and 1 June 2024). The analysis explores overall trends, technology-specific patterns, and the strategic motives behind relative opposition rates.

01.05.2025

The fusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and materials science is changing how industries work, from energy and construction to advanced manufacturing. AI is speeding up discovery, from low-carbon cement to quantum-designed materials. To keep up, your IP strategy needs to evolve, too.

30.04.2025

Keltie moderated the EUIPO and Irish Customs webinar which focused on the ‘dos and don’ts’ when filing EU AFAs. This interactive session was well attended by Intellectual Property (‘IP’) rights holders as well as legal representatives. The aim of this session was to raise awareness and encourage IP rights holders to adopt a proactive approach by filing AFAs in order to mitigate the risk of infringing and counterfeit goods crossing borders and reduce the need for filing Ex-officio AFAs where goods have been seized but AFAs are not in place.

29.04.2025

Patent applications related to data processing often fall foul of the EPO’s exclusions on “mathematical methods”. Applicants in the MedTech space in particular may find it far easier to protect the hardware in their wearable devices and tools than to protect the software that processes and analyses that data. A recent board of appeal decision T 1741/22 seems to contradict the Guidelines for Examination and previous Board of Appeal decisions. This decision may shed some light on how the EPO may approach these data processing applications in future.

17.04.2025

On 10 April 2025, the Government published responses to the second transformation consultation, which focused on changes to the IPO’s trade mark, design and tribunal services. This follows the first transformation consultation, published on 1 August 2023, which centred around the new digital patents service.

16.04.2025

As the Easter season rolls around, shelves fill with chocolate eggs, bunny-shaped treats, and festive branding that is instantly recognisable. Behind many of these familiar products are powerful trade marks. These are an essential tool in protecting the identity and value of seasonal products (and non-seasonal!).

01.04.2025

Investing in biodiversity conservation and research is not just environmentally responsible—it's medically strategic, as each species lost represents the permanent erasure of unique biochemical compounds that could hold the key to treating current and future diseases. Understanding biodiversity also impacts diverse fields such as animal and plant breeding, agritech and public health.

13.03.2025

The rise of generative AI has sparked a surge in patent filings in this field. In her latest article, Amelia Ross explores key insights from WIPO’s Patent Landscape Report on generative AI, including which companies and countries are driving this explosion of innovation.

12.03.2025

The space sector has seen remarkable advancements in recent years, with innovations spanning propulsion systems, life support technologies, advanced navigation, telecommunications, and space farming.

04.03.2025

This article explores the dangers trade mark owners may face if they adopt a deceptive trade mark and the lessons they can learn from the recent EU Board of Appeal (BoA) decision on the use of the mark TUNA for food products and retail services.

25.02.2025

On 30 January 2025, the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) published an update to the guidelines for examining patent applications relating to artificial intelligence (AI) following the Court of Appeal decision in Emotional Perception AI Ltd v Comptroller-General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks [2024] EWCA Civ 825.

17.02.2025

In this article, we take a look at how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used to predict complex biomolecular interactions.

13.02.2025

The European Commission has withdrawn its standards essential patent proposal.

13.02.2025

Ahead of the Packaging Innovations & Empack exhibition, Nathaniel Taylor takes a look at the forms of Intellectual Property (IP) typically arising in the packaging industry and the boundaries between the different forms of protection that might be available. In the packaging industry, companies typically seek various forms of IP protection for packaging innovations, including patents, registered designs, and trademarks.

12.02.2025

As a commercial tool, IP rights can increase profits, attract investment, and raise a company's valuation. However, if not approached strategically, the sometimes relatively high costs involved in securing and maintaining some IP rights may render them not worth the investment. More specifically, in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), additional requirements associated with some IP rights may impact an IP strategy. The following article outlines a number of key considerations and tips for maximising the financial benefits of IP in AI.

07.02.2025

The recent case of Thom Browne Inc. v. Adidas AG [2024] EWHC 2990 (Ch) represents a significant milestone in UK trade mark law, particularly in the realm of fashion and brand design. This High Court decision sheds light on the limits of trade mark protection, the role of consumer perception, and the fine line between brand distinction and monopolisation of design elements.

05.02.2025

In January 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Peter Kyle announced the AI Opportunities Action Plan. The Plan has three goals: (1) Invest in the foundations of AI; (2) Push hard on cross-economy AI adoption; and (3) Position the UK to be an AI maker, not an AI taker.

13.01.2025

Protecting IP is crucial as agriculture develops innovative techniques and technologies that improve productivity, sustainability, and resilience and move farming to net zero. Here is everything you need to know about patents in agriculture and farming.

21.01.2025

On 20 January 2025, the Court of Appeal delivered a significant judgment in the case of Thatchers Cider Company Limited v. Aldi Stores Limited, ruling in favour of Thatchers in its trade mark infringement claim against Aldi. This decision overturned a previous High Court ruling from January 2024, which had dismissed Thatchers' claims.

15.01.2025

Oral proceedings before the Enlarged Board of Appeal (EBoA) of the European Patent Office (EPO) in the case G 1/24, have now been scheduled for 28 March 2025. G 1/24 is poised to potentially become a landmark case in European patent law, with the EBoA due to make a decision as to the extent to which the description and figures may be used for claim interpretation when assessing patentability.

13.01.2025

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced significant increases to certain patent fees, impacting patent applicants, owners, and challengers.

08.01.2025

Metamaterials - materials whose functionality and properties arise not as inherent features of their constituent materials, but due to an artificially-engineered structure - are particularly apt for patent protection. Keltie patent attorney Emily Weal explores this exciting area of materials science and the growing body of patents protecting it.

27.11.2024

Did you miss our live webinar with Keltie and Mondaq? Watch the recording on how to identify, protect, and monetise your IP assets, especially in the AI and computing space.

28.11.2024

Gemma joined Keltie in 2018 and is passionate about social mobility, working to promote the IP profession to underrepresented groups. Now, as a partner, she’s passionate about paving the way for future leaders to embrace their unique journeys. Here is her story.

22.11.2024

In a highly anticipated judgment, the Supreme Court (“SC”) has issued its decision to SkyKick’s appeal against the Court of Appeal (“CoA”), finding that the CoA was wrong to overturn the High Court’s (“HC”) decision that Sky’s trade marks were registered in bad faith.

12.11.2024

This much-awaited Decision sees the UK's approach to copyright for 3-dimensional works diverge from that of the EU. It also provides some guidance on the criteria for a ‘work of artistic craftsmanship’ under UK copyright law, with relevance to the field of applied arts, and especially to vintage design. Keltie attorney Emily Weal explains why this decision matters, and what it means.

04.11.2024

It is typically a requirement at the EPO to amend the description for conformity with the allowable claims before grant of a patent; however, there have been a number of diverging decisions on the matter. The latest decision finds that there is no legal basis for enforcing this requirement, which might suggest that it will no longer be necessary to adapt the description. However, there are other decisions which support the requirement to adapt the description. In view of this, and because the Board of Appeal in this case opted not to involve the highest authority at the EPO in order to clarify the situation, it is unclear as to whether or not the requirement to adapt the description will remain.

31.10.2024

Agricultural innovation, often termed agri-tech or agtech is critical to the future of farming. From genetically modified plants and foods to sensors and robots, new technologies will drive improved productivity and sustainability. With the world’s population expected to grow by 20% in the next 25 years, and food demand due to increase by 56% in 2050 compared to 2013, agri-tech innovation will help ensure there is enough food while maintaining the Earth’s resources and dealing with the impact of climate change.

31.10.2024

Intellectual property (IP) rights are important for businesses and individual entrepreneurs across the agri-tech sector. While most innovative companies will be familiar with the protection available through the patent system, other IP rights can also be useful. These include design rights, trade marks and copyright.

28.10.2024

We refer to our mailshot earlier this year which discussed the protection of intellectual property rights and the prevention of infringing or counterfeit goods from crossing borders by filing Applications for Action (AFAs) with customs in the UK and EU.

16.09.2024

It is rare for an abuse of process case to be heard before the UK IPO, but that is what has happened recently. In August 2024, the UK IPO’s Tribunal upheld applications by Apple Inc (“Apple”) to strike out invalidity actions against its ‘iPhone’ trade mark registrations on the basis that the actions amounted to an abuse of process. This article explores the facts, issues and implications of this decision.

27.08.2024

A team of dedicated employees from Keltie's London Bridge office recently took advantage of their annual volunteering leave to make a meaningful impact in the local community. The group, consisting of Joeri Beetz, Emily Weal, Rhona Muir, Madeleine Georgopoulou, and Rebecca Saunders, participated in a volunteer day organised by Community Southwark.

23.08.2024

The EPO Enlarged Board of Appeal has now issued its preliminary (and non-binding) opinion on G 1/23. This referral (from the Technical Board of Appeal in T 438/19) seeks to clarify whether a commercially available product, with an undisclosed composition or internal structure, must be analysable and reproducible by the skilled person in order to constitute prior art under Article 54(2) EPC.

23.08.2024

The Irish Government wants ‘in’ but pending a delayed referendum, Ireland remains ‘out’. But is Ireland actually ‘in’ to some extent already? A recent decision by a Local Division of the UPC Court of First Instance certainly ‘shook it all about’ before that decision was firmly overruled by the UPC Court of Appeal.

21.08.2024

The EPO practice on selection inventions has developed considerably over the past decade. Two recent decisions of the Technical Board of Appeal are particularly instructive for applicants in the life sciences field. The Guidelines for Examination in the EPO (EPC Guidelines) define selection inventions as those that “deal with the selection of individual elements, subsets, or sub-ranges from a more generic disclosure in the prior art”. The Guidelines address the examination of both novelty and inventive step of selection inventions.

07.08.2024

On July 17th 2024, the UK IPO issued a Tribunal Practice Note (TPN) addressing restrictions to specifications of trademark applications and registrations under Tribunal proceedings.

06.08.2024

Last year, we published an article looking at some of the IP issues raised by CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology. One of these issues concerned the battles over the ownership of certain fundamental patents.

02.08.2024

Nathaniel Taylor provides an update on the latest SME financial support scheme, IP Advance, launched by the UK IPO.

19.07.2024

The UK Court of Appeal rules that Artificial Neural Networks are not patentable subject matter in their own right. Comptroller vs Emotional Perception AI Limited 2024

10.07.2024

The case of Emotional Perception AI v. Comptroller-General of Patent, Designs and Trade Marks concerns a patent application in the field of artificial neural networks (ANNs) that after several rounds of Examination has resulted in two court appeals to date. In the lead-up to the handing down of the judgement from the Court of Appeal (England and Wales), we provide a recap of the case to date.

02.07.2024

With global annual temperature records being broken at an unprecedented rate, the need for immediate, concerted and multifaceted action to reduce carbon emissions into the Earth’s atmosphere whilst generating greater amounts of easily accessible and cheap energy to power a growing population is increasingly urgent.

01.07.2024

To celebrate being named again as a recommended practitioner by IAM 1000, we talk to Jonathan Goodacre to discover why Cambridge is at the heart of the life sciences sector and how to solve the modern challenges of this evolving industry sector.

21.06.2024

Ireland is emerging as a leader in the world of nanotechnology and Medtech, positioning itself as a hub for innovation and research. Keltie's Seán Ryan delves into how Ireland is leading in these fields.

19.06.2024

Keltie features again in the Financial Times' prestigious list of Europe's Leading Patent Law Firms 2024. Keltie is one of the leading firms of IP specialists in Europe and is recognised by its peers across several core areas. We talk to Mike to discover what makes a successful IP firm and how biotechnology is evolving. He discusses his journey into the field and talks about all things ‘AI’.

18.06.2024

Keltie is ranked once again as one of Europe’s leading Patent Law Firms in the Financial Times 2024 Listings. We talk to Shak to discuss the IT challenges clients face today and learn how Keltie is helping them in this ever-evolving area. He discusses his career journey and how the FT listings differ from other awards.

13.06.2024

Keltie is proud to be ranked as one of Europe’s leading Patent Law Firms in the Financial Times 2024 Listings. This is the sixth time the IP firm has been recognised and Keltie is again in the top ten firms overall.

05.06.2024

Discover Jesús Enrique Vargas Millan's story and Keltie's commitment to creating an inclusive workplace in our latest article.

30.04.2024

Intellectual property (IP) plays a pivotal role in driving innovation, fostering economic growth, and securing the competitive edge for companies. In the United Kingdom, IP intensive industries account for more than a quarter of the country’s output – around £300 billion a year – while intangible assets, including IP, may make up around 70 to 80% of a company’s overall value [1]. However, SMEs face unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to the realm of IP. In this article, Nathaniel Taylor sheds light on how SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) can mitigate cost issues to capitalise on their IP.

23.04.2024

Delay to the Unitary Patent package in Ireland Just a few weeks after flooring the accelerator, the Irish government has slammed the brakes on the planned UPC referendum. The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has confirmed that the referendum scheduled for June 2024 has been postponed indefinitely.

19.04.2024

Keltie LLP announces the recognition of its outstanding legal team at the Managing IP Europe Awards 2024.

02.04.2024

On 23 March 2023, the European Patent Office (EPO) Enlarged Board of Appeal (EBA) published its decision in case G 2/21, concerning plausibility in patent applications. The decision provided useful guidance on how much data needs to be disclosed in a patent application to overcome objections based on the grounds of lack of inventive step and insufficiency. One year on, we take a look at how the EPO has been applying this standard in the life sciences field.

21.03.2024

Within the sector of quantum computing, quantum communication systems are a rapidly growing field. In this article, we look at the development of such systems and some of the related patents filed in this area.

21.03.2024

The Court of Appeal of the Unified Patent Court (UPC) recently published its first decision considering substantive issues, in which it overturned a first instance decision of the Munich local division (NanoString (appellants) v 10x Genomics (respondents), UPC_CoA_335/2023).

12.03.2024

Despite being an enthusiastic participant in the European Union, Ireland has sat on the sidelines of the EU’s Unified Patent Court (‘UPC’) project so far. But not for much longer – the Irish Government has announced that the necessary constitutional referendum will be held in June 2024 and that Ireland’s ratification of the UPC Agreement will be fast-tracked if the referendum passes.

08.03.2024

In alignment with the International Women's Day (IWD) 2024 theme, ‘Inspire Inclusion,’ we sat down with Danielle and Holly to delve into their perspectives, experiences, and insights on promoting inclusion.

20.02.2024

The UK High Court has recently reshaped the landscape of AI patentability, deeming neural networks not to be excluded under the UK's computer program exclusion. In a groundbreaking ruling, the court's decision challenges conventional boundaries. It raises the question: Has the UK become the most patent-holder-friendly jurisdiction in Europe for AI?

14.02.2024

Explore trade mark and design case law in our exclusive recorded webinar by Charlotte Wilding, Partner and Trade Mark Attorney at Keltie. In this insightful session, she looks back at the key 2023 UK and EU trade mark and design case law updates.

14.02.2024

Keltie's UK trade mark team has once again achieved the prestigious gold ranking in the WTR 1000 for trade mark prosecution and strategy. Keltie’s Irish team has also been confirmed in the silver ranking achieved last year.

12.02.2024

We talk to Colin Paterson, who has recently become a Partner at Keltie. Colin discusses his career highlights and learnings as well as the values and principles he feels are most important as a patent attorney.

06.02.2024

Unlock the secrets of the fashion world's legal runway with our latest article, featuring Keltie's collaboration with CITMA and UKFT.

05.12.2023

Sean Cummings joined the IP profession in 1986 after graduating with a degree in Engineering Science and Industrial Management. He qualified as a Chartered Patent Attorney and European Patent Attorney in 1992. Sean is also a Trade Mark Attorney qualified to act before the EU, UK and Irish Intellectual Property Offices, and a Professional Representative before the EU's new Unified Patent Court.

05.12.2023

Having started her career in 1986 with an established trade mark and patent attorney firm, Rosemary joined David Keltie in founding David Keltie Associates, (now Keltie) in 1988. She became partner in 1994. She is a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys

05.12.2023

Over the past decade, the Fintech world has experienced an unprecedented surge in innovation. From payment apps to blockchain-based solutions, Fintech inventions transform how people manage, invest, and transact their assets.

28.11.2023

Nathaniel Taylor interrogates Toyota’s patent portfolio in the hunt for the technical details behind their recent "battery breakthrough". Does their solution lie in a new solid state cathode material? 

22.11.2023

In Part I of this series, we looked at some fundamental quantum mechanical principles that underpin emerging quantum technologies. In this article, we look at how those fundamental principles apply to quantum computing and describe some practical aspects of quantum computers.

06.11.2023

In this article, we discuss how generative AI can provide a shortcut for developing therapeutic candidates.

01.11.2023

Three individuals stand out this month as Charlotte Wilding, Manuela Macchi, and Jesús Enrique Vargas Millan have been selected to join various International Trademark Association (INTA) committees.

26.10.2023

We speak to JE to learn what he thinks makes a good trade mark paralegal, discuss current client challenges and talk about his career plans for the future.

20.10.2023

In this article, Madeleine Georgopoulou introduces various fundamental principles used in quantum computing and takes a brief look at the current progress of these technologies in the commercial and patent worlds. This is the first article in a series on Quantum Computing and how to patent Quantum Inventions in Europe.

21.09.2023

The “10-day” rule, which determines how the response deadlines to certain European Patent Office (EPO) communications are calculated, is to be abandoned from 1 November 2023.

19.09.2023

While the initial effects of Brexit on trade mark and design registrations are baked into our consciousness, one noteworthy aspect will only take effect at the start of next year. Trade mark and design owners should consider appointing a UK address for service to reduce the risk of third-party challenges being successful by default.

21.08.2023

We speak to Alistair, WTR Global Leader, to find out how the trade mark industry has changed and understand the challenges clients face. Alistair also shares his thoughts on what makes a good trade mark attorney. He discusses his career highlights and gives advice to graduates looking to embark on a career as a trade mark attorney.

16.08.2023

Assessment of inventive step at the European Patent Office is made with reference to the technical effect of the claimed invention. In particular, only those features of a claim that contribute to the technical character of an invention may be taken into account when determining whether an inventive step is present.

16.08.2023

We talk to Sullivan about what he thinks makes a successful IP law firm and learn about how Keltie is helping clients with their current IP challenges.

16.08.2023

When can old be new? This is not a riddle, but an important question in the field of architecture, where architects are using new tools to create traditional buildings that are built to last.

15.08.2023

At the European Patent Office, for the purposes of examination, applications disclosing and claiming subject matter relating to Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning are treated in a similar manner to applications disclosing and claiming subject matter relating to other types of mathematical methods or algorithms implemented on a computer (see the EPO’s Guidelines for Examination (GfE) on AI inventions).

09.08.2023

August is a popular time for holidays. Longer, lighter, and lazier days are here as the school holidays are in full swing. On some days, those grey clouds are even replaced by an azure sky.

18.07.2023

We talk to Mike to discover what makes a good patent attorney and learn more about the impact technological advancements are having on intellectual property (IP).

17.07.2023

We speak to Shakeel to find out what he thinks makes a successful IP firm. We ask him why he believes Keltie ranked Gold in four areas, including Electrical Engineering and Physics and IT and Software.

14.07.2023

Learn more about patenting AI inventions in this pre-recorded webinar as Keltie’s experts explore “Patenting AI in Europe in the Age of Generative AI”.

11.07.2023

We speak to Jo to find out what she thinks makes a successful IP firm and why she believes clients have ranked Keltie as one of the leading patent law firms in Europe’s Leading Patent Law Firms 2023 Listings by the Financial Times.

19.06.2023

The Quantum technology sector has experienced accelerated growth in the last decade, driven by increased investment in research and development, advancements in the technology, and an expanding list of applications for which quantum technologies can be used.

19.06.2023

We are thrilled to announce that Charlotte Wilding has returned to Keltie, re-joining as a Partner in the Trade Mark team. With her extensive experience and invaluable knowledge, Charlotte is set to make a real impact on Keltie.

16.06.2023

Keltie is proud to be ranked, once again, as one of Europe’s leading Patent Law Firms in the Financial Times 2023 Listings.

12.06.2023

June is celebrated worldwide as Pride Month. It is a time to commemorate the progress made in the LGBTQ+ community and reflect on the challenges that lie ahead. Whilst society as a whole has made important efforts in the fight for equality, the legal industry still has a long way to go.

06.06.2023

Is part of the answer to climate change to be found in the sea? Researchers are increasingly looking into applications of kelp and other forms of seaweed, as well as how to preserve and cultivate underwater forests.

01.06.2023

As the UK corporation tax rate rises from 19%-25%, this article sets out how the Patent Box system can be used to reduce this rate, and why the Patent Box is a particular incentive to file patent applications to AI innovations.

15.05.2023

Keltie is delighted to announce that Dr Jonathan Goodacre is a partner of the firm as of 1st May 2023.

31.05.2023

Keltie recently held its first Keltie House Rules (KHR) session on mental health awareness in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week which took place between 15th and 21st May.

11.05.2023

A recent seminar hosted by Keltie highlighted the difficulty of registering shape and pattern marks based on inherent distinctiveness, as well as (for EU trade marks) the challenge of proving acquired distinctiveness through use throughout the EU. To be accepted for registration as inherently distinctive, a shape must diverge significantly from the norms and customs of the sector concerned and be capable of functioning as an indicator of origin. During the seminar, Keltie’s trademark attorneys discussed five recent EU and UK cases that illustrate how this test is applied in practice, while guest speaker Andrea De Gaspari of De Gaspari Osgnach in Padua (Italy) explained the Italian, EU and US proceedings in the MOON BOOT case.

21.04.2023

Introducing the Diversity, Inclusion, Charity, and Environment committee (DICE).

17.04.2023

The European Patent Office’s (EPO’s) recent case law on the patentability of Core-AI in T 0702/20 reiterated their established stance that improved Machine Learning model architectures are considered unpatentable subject matter before the EPO. However, the case has more to offer than just that, here are two points that will be influencing our drafting of Core-AI patent applications going forward.

14.02.2023

One of the outcomes of the recent COP27 meeting in Sharm el Sheikh was the emphasis on the role that agriculture has to play in moving towards net zero. Fulfilling that role will demand innovation in the sector (‘agritech’ as it is often known), and IP protection will play a crucial part in that innovation.

09.02.2023

World Trademark Review has recognised the trade mark and branding team at Keltie with its highest accolade, the Gold Medal.

30.01.2023

Keltie is pleased to announce the appointment of Senior Associate, Jason Aghatise. He joins the firm from Wynne-Jones and brings with him over ten years’ experience in IP. Having completed a law degree in 2011, Jason wanted to build on his already keen interest in business and branding from a consumer perspective. He found his niche in trade marks and began his career as a paralegal before going on to complete his trade mark attorney qualifications.

16.01.2023

There have been some exciting announcements about the application of CRISPR-Cas9 type gene-editing technology to treat serious illnesses in the past few weeks. But this complex and rapidly evolving area of medicine raises some challenging IP issues.

11.01.2023

A patent is a time-limited monopoly awarded by countries as an incentive for investment in novel and non-obvious technical innovation. The purpose of the patent system is to allow companies and inventors to invest in innovation without concern that this will be lost when they go to market because others will copy their innovations.

11.01.2023

Trade marks can apply to words, logos, colours, shapes, drawings, even sounds and smells. They are a badge of origin that allows a customer to see a brand or product, recognise it and know how they can repeat that transaction again.

13.12.2022

It’s now over 30 years since I joined the patent attorney profession. When I started, there were relatively few female patent attorneys, partly due to much lower numbers of women studying STEM subjects at university. I recall I was one of about six women in a cohort of 90 studying chemistry at Imperial College, and there were even fewer in the engineering departments. Today, thankfully there are more women in the profession – but there are still things we need to improve.

06.12.2022

The UPC website has confirmed that the timeline for the start of the Unified Patent Court has been delayed by two months.

27.11.2022

What is the difference between a registered design right and a design patent?

20.10.2022

The imminent rise in UK corporation tax makes the financial benefits of the Patent Box scheme look even more attractive, and there may now be additional incentive for many innovative and IP-focused companies to give Patent Box greater attention.

17.10.2022

The global shortage of semiconductor chips is one of the longer-lasting consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Delays in supplying chips are currently as long as a year in some industries, and analysts predict that things may not return to normal until 2024.

25.09.2022

The unitary patent system represents possibly the biggest change to the European patent landscape in decades. Set out below are some of the most common questions that patent owners have about the new system and what issues they need to consider.

10.10.2022

Research into fusion power has been ongoing for many years, and recently both private and government organisations have been seeking to make fusion power a reality. Are we nearly there with this clean energy source?

12.09.2022

Six years on from the Brexit referendum, we can happily say that the measures put in place for trade marks and designs have been successful in delivering a smooth transition. But IP owners now need to pay attention to upcoming changes to rights of representation, particularly in light of the huge growth in applications at the UK IPO.

07.04.2022

We are sometimes asked by clients whether it matters in which country we file their first patent application. The simple answer might be – where are you based? But actually the decision can be more nuanced than that.

06.06.2022

We take a look at the basic patent process, including how and where to file an initial patent application, what happens after filing, and how to expand your protection overseas.

10.08.2022

The EUIPO recently published new guidance on the classification of trade mark applications for non-fungible tokens (NFTs). This guidance is helpful as we are seeing many filings in this area; however, further clarification may be needed.

20.07.2022

From robots that teach themselves to improve, to systems that predict when parts need to be replaced before they break, Amelia Ross investigates some of the interesting applications of Artificial Intelligence in the world of manufacturing.

20.07.2022

Scientists have the technology to precisely match treatments to people’s genetic codes, paving the way for a new era of medicine.

15.07.2022

Recently the Irish government reaffirmed its commitment to participate in the European Unitary Patent system and Unified Patent Court (UPC) and to hold a referendum to enable Ireland to do so.

08.04.2022

The European Patent Office announced on 6 April that it would be extending its pilot project for video conference oral proceedings to 31 December 2022. Given the continuing high COVID case numbers, this is not surprising, and most (though not all!) attorneys and EPO-users will be pleased to see the announcement. We take a look at the experience of video conference proceedings for users of the system.

08.04.2022

The human genome sequence is complete, twenty years after the first draft. Scientists have fully mapped the human genome sequence and released their findings almost 40 years after the Human Genome Project was first announced. Initially revealed in 2003, the DNA blueprint for human life included most of the regions that code for proteins but left out 200 million bases. Now, scientists have mapped a complete sequence, making this a significant development in the field of genomics.

25.11.2021

Crowdfunding is an increasingly popular method for a company to raise funds to get a new product off the ground. This is particularly prevalent for small businesses and start-ups within the lifestyle and wellness sectors. Successful crowdfunding has been seen in diverse areas such as tabletop gaming, comic books and virtual reality headsets. The potential for a company with its roots in crowdfunding can be extremely high, with the company Oculus starting from searching for a $250,000 investment on Kickstarter to eventually being bought out by Facebook for a figure in the billions.

13.01.2022

According to the Electric Vehicles and Infrastructure Report, The UK’s transport sector is responsible for 27% of the UK’s total greenhouse emissions, with cars contributing up to 55% of those emissions. This has led to the automotive industry becoming a target for reducing emissions to make sure that we, along with the rest of the world, achieve net-zero by 2050.

10.01.2022

Choosing a unique trade mark is important in any field; however, the pharmaceutical industry features some unique trade mark challenges.

13.12.2021

The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has published an open consultation which calls for views on the intellectual property rights of patents and copyright for creative works or inventions that have been created using artificial intelligence (AI).

29.11.2021

Can an AI be an inventor of a patent? A series of patent applications around the world are asking that very question...

19.10.2021

From regular exercise, nutrition and posture to online video conferencing and attempts to reduce our carbon footprint, our daily routines are packed with innovations that help to improve our lifestyle and our wellness. Here are 3 Lifestyle & Wellness inventions that each play an important role in our everyday lives:

09.09.2021

The UK is looking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a trade agreement among 11 countries around the Pacific rim.

31.08.2021

The deadline for re-filing EU designs in the UK is looming on 30 September 2021. Make sure your UK rights are in place before this deadline, and in particular, double check these three scenarios where your UK design rights may not have been created automatically.

25.08.2021

Keltie Trade Mark attorney Eleni Mezulanik takes a look at this important decision from the General Court.

23.08.2021

Nanotechnology: building materials and devices by controlling matter at the atomic and molecular level. An interdisciplinary field with far-reaching applications. Monica Patel explores five particularly interesting patents in this area...

19.08.2021

Britain leaving the European Union has changed how Trade Marks and Design Rights are filed and managed. According to Kane Ridley, Keltie’s Head of Trade Mark Support, now is the time for everyone to review their IP portfolios to avoid lost UK rights and future complications.

10.08.2021

Graphene is a remarkable material, not only in its physical properties but in its high-profile reputation. That reputation gives it an impressive 'selling power' in everything from consumer goods to research proposals. But not all graphene is created equal, and very poor-quality or 'fake' graphene might be as easy to come by as the real stuff...

08.07.2021

We take a look at the opportunities for reducing emissions and government recommendations for industry, as well as some of the forerunner projects in carbon capture, carbon recycling, and hydrogen production. How can we achieve net-zero by 2050, and what role will IP play in this in the future?

05.07.2021

Since Brexit, EU registered design protection no longer covers the UK. As a result, many design owners and IP practitioners have found themselves filing UK designs for the first time. Are you up to speed on UK practice? Here's a quick-glance guide to the key differences between the EU and UK design systems...

30.06.2021

Plan covers 2021-2022 and translates the UK Genome Strategy into clear actions

23.06.2021

Keeping up with the latest patents is vital to maintain competitive advantage, especially when your competitors may file patents that limit your freedom to operate (FTO). But how exactly do oppositions work, what timeframes do you have to work with, and what are the potential costs?

22.06.2021

Congratulations to Keltie's trainees for record success in the 2021 European Qualifying Examinations.

24.03.2021

From accommodating increasing demand to creating a sustainable food supply: innovation will be key in addressing the food industry's many challenges. How can that innovation be protected and exploited?

08.03.2021

In the world of new and innovative materials, an imaginative name and effective marketing goes a very long way. Make sure you look after this valuable asset!

03.03.2021

What's new and what's next in materials science and IP?

02.03.2021

When creating content, it is important to keep the right side of the IP line. Amelia Skelding talks through 5 top tips for influencers.

27.02.2021

Protecting Manufacturing Processes

23.02.2021

Can patent protection ever be part of an ethical or high moral value business model?

12.02.2021

Understanding Keltie's decision to open an Irish office.

27.01.2021

Developing a design registration strategy that balances breadth and strength, to give you the best possible protection.

27.01.2021

In 1863, David Kirkaldy patented his ‘Universal Testing Machine’ and laid the foundations for the Materials Informatics revolution. What did his patented invention mean then, and how can materials informatics inventions be protected now?

25.01.2021

Alistair Gay, Partner at the firm who joined over twenty years ago, shares his thoughts on what makes Keltie special.

07.01.2021

Changes, challenges and what to look forward to.

04.01.2021

Starting the firm in 1988.

16.12.2020

What is it like to work with trade marks?

16.12.2020

Joanne Hopley talks about the future of automotive.

16.12.2020

What can the intellectual property sector expect?

16.12.2020

What is and is not protectable?

06.12.2020

The differences between in-house and private practice.

01.12.2020

Laura explains the future direction of precision medicine.

03.11.2020

Insights into working with our sports clients.

23.10.2020

Three inventions which have helped shape the way we live our lives.