Europe
Preparing for diversity: future paths for the UK legal sector
A host of new commercial routes awaits the UK legal landscape in the wake of liberalisation, with alternative business structures opening many of them. Industry expert Jack Diggle explains the potenti....  »
IP’s odyssey to the Clarke side
Sir Arthur C Clarke predicted many things – but could he have foreseen that his work would one day be roped into an IP dispute? Matt Packer looks at the innovations of a legendary ideas man...  »
Pirate Party hoists flag over Berlin
Anti-IP movement lands major victory in German state election, leaving mainstream party out in the cold...  »
Shores of sophistication: de-lawyering the legal process
A recent US criminal case has dramatically rekindled debate over law-firm costs. Matt Packer digests a new international study that points the way to more flexible arrangements...  »
.xxx marks the spot in rampant rush for new domain
Stampede for adult-content suffix now underway, with central registration body offering block for any brand seeking to avoid raunchy connotations...  »
Gatekeeping and domains: how ICANN will guard brands in the new gTLD structure
Trademark protection has emerged as the primary concern over the coming new domains landscape. However, writes Alex Hall of Mundays Solicitors, the framework has been designed with prevention of abuse....  »
Are lawmakers smoking out tobacco brands?
Australia faces some imposing legal hurdles in its attempt to ban tobacco trademarks. However, as Matt Packer writes, this has not stopped other countries from thinking about extinguishing them...  »
State of the art still uncertain after UK LG-Sony settlement
Nick Reeve of Reddie & Grose LLP explains how the recent UK settlement in LG Electronics Ltd v Sony Corporation provides commercial relief, but leaves a question on confidentiality and standards u....  »
Clock ticking on Apple bid to ban Samsung tablet in Europe
Apple lawsuit over Samsung’s rival to iPad cites three areas of infringement. But does the case really show that EU rules against software patents are not being followed?...  »
Google acquires protective patent shield in Motorola buyout
Purchase of US mobile-phone company provides Google with ready-made defence against patent suits...  »