South African functional design protection for Chinese utility models2013-11-13

Utility models are used extensively in China to protect the shape, structure or the combination of shape and structure of a product which is fit for practical use.


The balance of interests in US copyright law2013-09-05

What is a copyright in the US? It is not only the copyright owner’s exclusive rights to control and exploit a copyrighted work through licensing and infringement actions, if necessary, but also a set of different, or maybe even conflicting, interests set forth in limitations and exceptions to copyright protection.


Navigating the patent landscape in Africa (II) -- focus on the legal frameworks in place in Africa for the protection of patent rights2013-09-05

Acquiring patent rights in Africa can be a complex process, as an applicant is required to interpret the various laws of each of the different states in which it requires protection.


Recent changes in international IP protection: Europe, the United States and Australia/New Zealand in comparative perspective2013-07-18

In the global economy, inventors need to be able to protect their IP rights worldwide. In the absence of a “global” patent or trademark, when a company makes an invention involving complex technology and a brand creation process, it needs to protect it in multiple jurisdictions.


Navigating the trade mark landscape in Africa2013-07-17

Africa is the second-largest continent in the world, both in area and population. If one includes the surrounding islands there are almost 60 territories with a population of more than one billion people.


Proving obviousness? Understanding the implications of In re Cyclobenzaprine2013-01-10

A claim of patent infringement in U.S. litigation is more often than not met by a defense of patent invalidity by “obviousness.”


Protecting your technology in China’s innovation economy ——the role of international arbitration2013-01-04

China has a long and proud cultural history of innovation–-its people have given us gun powder, the compass, paper and printing, to name but a few Chinese inventions. However, in modern times, PRC companies have developed little of their own independent technology.


Analysis of State of Washington Law: analysis and checklist of IP liability in US States2013-01-04

Recently China IP magazine was one of the first IP journals to cover a new IP trend in U.S. law.


Germany2012-12-26

New copyright bill may cost search engines royalties


U.S.Kodak may abandon patent auction2012-12-26

Kodak may abandon patent auctionKodak said on Friday it may abandon efforts to sell a portfolio of digital imaging patents at auction, and has delayed indefinitely a court hearing to approve such a sale.



The J-Innovation

Steve Jobs died the month that the latest Nobel Prize winners were announced. The coincidence lends itself to speculation about inevitability.

Volunteer team bails out busy court

Government supports unique intellectual property fund

IP service providers showcase products

Experts call for standardization of IP services