Italy confirms new direct route from international PCT application to national patent

Applicants will soon be able to obtain patent protection in Italy directly via an international PCT application. (more)

Italy completes implementation of unitary patent laws – but unitary patent is not in force

A revised version of the Rules of Procedure of the Boards of Appeal of the European Patent Office will come into force on 1 January 2020: read our quick summary of significant changes and what they mean in practice. (more)

New “SPC waiver” EU regulation in force as of 1 July 2019

A new “SPC waiver” EU regulation entered into force on 1 July 2019, allowing third parties to start manufacturing medicinal products protected by an SPC before expiry of the SPC, at certain conditions.(more)

Italian court awards damages in copyright dispute over Audrey Hepburn’s image

Italian court orders the manufacturer of unauthorised Audrey Hepburn t-shirts to pay damages to the actress’ heirs: under Italian copyright law a person’s portrait cannot be reproduced for commercial or advertising purposes without the authorisation of either the person or the heirs, regardless of whether the person is renowned. (more)

Footballer scores against free rider in NEYMAR bad faith trademark dispute

EU General Court shows red card to the holder of a EU trademark for the word NEYMAR: sufficient objective circumstances justified the finding that the trademark application was filed with dishonest intentions. (more)

4 SIB partners listed in Patent 1000 2019 for patent prosecution work

Antonio Mario Pizzoli, Elisabetta Papa, Claudio Germinario and Emanuele Concone are all listed individually in Patent 1000. Find out why. (more)