Features
Europe's Court of Justice, in-house lawyers and the death of privilege
A new European ruling on competition matters has shaken the business community and dismayed lawyers. Matt Packer’s latest blog looks at the background to the case concerned and finds out how its out....  »
‘Trolls’ continue to swallow up patents – and investment funds
Often dubbed ‘patent trolls’, non-practising entities are far from ugly in the eyes of investors. Netting an estimated $6-$8bn of investment in the past eight years, they are a major force in IP m....  »
Crunch time: managing legal compliance in the UK
Enforcement of regulations has reached pandemic proportions – and financial reporting legislation is being added to and strengthened all the time. In-house legal departments need to keep on top of t....  »
Solving Asia’s trademark riddles
A vast region with a rich linguistic heritage, Asia can be a minefield for ill-prepared trademark applications. Matt Packer looks at the potential stumbling blocks and outlines some practical solution....  »
Legal Services Board reports on ‘changing mindsets’ in the UK legal profession
With its role at the centre of the most dramatic ever shake-up of the UK legal sector, the Legal Services Board has had a busy first year. Matt Packer assesses its progress...  »
The reformer: Dr M Veerappa Moily and the new Indian legal system
Reform and liberalisation are the biggest issues in India’s legal profession – but who is leading the charge? Matt Packer profiles India’s current minister for law and justice, and takes a look ....  »
The own goal of ambush marketing
Thinking of using the World Cup to promote your own products, services, or even an event? Think again, says Matt Packer. The unauthorised use of World Cup marks constitutes IP infringement, and FIFA i....  »
Multi-shoring: 24/7 access to expertise
Legal services outsourcing is frequently associated with overseas operations in countries like India. But while offshore centres offer valuable services for global businesses, sophisticated vend....  »
Sony’s universal games controller: the killer application?
Eyebrows were raised in the gaming community earlier this year over Sony’s patent application for a universal games controller. Matt Packer asks how such a device could be accepted in a notoriously ....  »
The value of streamlined portfolios
Like all forms of property, the value of patents fluctuates in line with trends, technologies and the march of time – yet accurate valuation is a crucial business advantage. Matt Packer highlights t....  »