When I review a copyright, software or intellectual-property agreement, one of the first questions I ask is very simple: Do you actually need to own this intellectual property—or do you need the right to use it? Those are not the same thing. And in my experience, confusing them is one of the easiest ways for a commercially sensible deal to create an avoidable intellectual-property problem later. A founder may tell me: “We paid the developer, so the software belongs to us.” A

Córdoba jewellery artisan representing EU craft and industrial geographical indication protection under the new CIGI system. A thousand-year-old jewellery tradition has just become part of a new chapter in European intellectual property law. On 29 July 2026, the name Joyería de Córdoba was registered as a geographical indication for craft and industrial products, becoming the first Spanish name registered under the EU’s new CIGI regime. The registration gives the name protect

On 1 July 2026, the modernised European Union design framework became fully applicable. This completed the most significant reform of the EU design protection system in more than two decades. The changes are intended to make design registration more suitable for modern products, digital interfaces, animation, virtual goods and technology-driven businesses. For businesses, this is not simply a procedural update for intellectual property departments. It creates an opportunity t

Receiving a notice of opposition from the European Union Intellectual Property Office can be unsettling. A business may already have invested in its name, website, packaging and marketing. It may be preparing a product launch or discussing expansion with distributors. Then an official notice arrives suggesting that an earlier trademark owner objects to the application. One of the first things I explain is this: An opposition is serious, but it is not a final decision that you

Every masterpiece begins as an idea. The right intellectual property strategy helps ensure it remains yours as your creative journey grows from inspiration to international opportunity. From Your First Idea to International Commercialisation: Protecting the Creative Work That Defines Your Career Every creative journey begins with an idea. Perhaps it starts with a melody played on a piano late at night. A sketch in the margin of a notebook. A photograph captured during a holid

Why International Filing Strategy Matters More Than Most Businesses Realise You Chose a Great Brand Name. Congratulations. That isn't the biggest mistake most businesses make. In fact, many entrepreneurs spend weeks brainstorming names, checking domains, designing logos and registering companies. Then they ask one question: "Can you register this as a trademark?" It's an important question. But in my experience, it isn't the most important one. A far more valuable discussion

Understanding Geographical Indications and Why They Matter to Businesses When Clients Ask About Protecting Their Brand... One of the questions I enjoy discussing most with clients is also one of the least common. Most people come to me wanting to register a trademark. Occasionally they ask about designs. Sometimes patents. Very rarely does someone walk into a meeting and ask, "Can I protect the reputation of where my product comes from?" Yet that question often leads to one o

Over the past year, I've noticed something interesting. Almost every business I speak with is excited about artificial intelligence. Marketing teams are producing content in minutes. Start-ups are creating websites over a weekend. Software companies are using AI to write documentation. Even businesses that once outsourced content creation are now asking AI to do the work instead. And honestly, I understand why. The productivity gains are remarkable. But during these conversat

AI Is Creating More Content Than Ever Before... But Who Actually Owns It? A few years ago, Artificial Intelligence was something most businesses associated with research laboratories and technology giants. Today, it's sitting on millions of desktops. Marketing teams use AI to write website content. Developers use AI to generate software code. Designers create illustrations in minutes instead of days. Sales teams prepare proposals with AI assistance. Even lawyers increasingly

Imagine spending three years developing an innovative product. You've invested hundreds of thousands of euros in research, product development, tooling, manufacturing and marketing. Investors are excited. Your website is ready. Distribution agreements have been signed. Launch day arrives. Then a letter lands on your desk. It isn't an order. It isn't a congratulatory message. It's a patent infringement notice. Unfortunately, this scenario is far more common than many businesse

The Excitement of a New Brand A Real Lesson I Have Seen Many Times One of the most rewarding parts of being a trademark attorney is helping entrepreneurs protect something they have spent months creating—their brand. Yet one conversation repeats itself more often than almost any other. A client proudly presents their new business name, packaging and website. Marketing has begun, social media is live and products are about to launch. Then we perform a professional trademark se

For many small and medium-sized businesses, intellectual property is still treated as something to deal with “later” — after the product launches, after funding is raised, or after international expansion begins. That approach is becoming increasingly risky. In 2026, three developments make IP protection especially important for SMEs: EU funding remains available for some IP activities, including support linked to patents and plant varieties, although some SME Fund vouchers h

For startups and growing businesses, building a strong brand is essential for long-term success. However, many companies overlook trademark protection in the early stages of their development. Failing to protect a brand properly can lead to costly legal disputes, forced rebranding, lost market opportunities, and damage to reputation. Understanding the most common trademark mistakes startups make can help businesses protect their brand and create a stronger foundation for grow

As digital environments continue to expand, businesses are increasingly exploring new ways to engage with consumers through virtual platforms and the metaverse. From online gaming ecosystems to immersive digital worlds, companies are launching virtual products, digital experiences, and branded environments. This shift raises an important legal question: how can trademarks be protected in the metaverse and other virtual environments? For many companies, protecting their brand

The EU Design Reform introduced by Regulation (EU) 2024/2822 and Directive (EU) 2024/2823 represents the most significant update to EU design law since the creation of the Registered Community Design system. Often referred to as the EU Design Reform Package, the new legislation aims to: simplify EU design registration procedures expand the scope of design protection adapt design law to modern technologies such as digital products, virtual environments, graphical user interfac