Knowledge

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

10.01.2022

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

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.

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.

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

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

16.06.2022

In a special report based on recommendations from our clients and peers across Europe, the firm was recognised for its exceptional standards of service in all technology sectors, with particularly high accolades in IT, Biotechnology, Materials, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.

06.05.2022

The unitary patent system, comprising the unitary patent and Unified Patent Court (UPC), is now expected to go live either later this year or early next year. The exact date will be known as soon as Germany deposits its instrument of ratification of the Unified Patent Court Agreement which will kick start a sunrise period. Following this sunrise period, the UPC will open its doors and it will be possible for a patent owner to obtain a single unitary patent which provides patent protection in at least 17 EU member states.

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.

27.01.2022

Keltie is delighted to announce the appointment of Alan McFarlane as its CEO. Alan joins the firm from the global recruitment specialist Hays where he founded the professional services consultancy James Harvard, establishing it as a multi-million-pound business specialising in transformation management and solutions.

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.

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...

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.

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.

03.09.2021

The deadline for re-filing EU trade marks in the UK under Brexit transitional provisions falls on 30 September 2021. What action do you need to take?

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.

19.08.2021

Last week, after years of delay caused by challenges in the German Federal Constitutional Court, legislation enabling Germany to ratify the Unified Patent Court Agreement came into force. German ratification of the UPCA is a required step in setting up the unitary patent system and so this development moves the Unified Patent Court slightly closer to reality.

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

Branding has a very important role to play in any industry. However, it is crucial in the fields of life sciences, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and also precision medicine which, by its very nature, is personal. For this reason, brand names in these areas should resonate with people (think ‘hearts and minds’).

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?

27.11.2022

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

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.

18.02.2020

Advice for young people looking to begin a career in intellectual property.