Boult Wade Tennant
/bulletin

Archives: Bulletins

October 7, 2025

Is plastic equivalent to metal? The doctrine of equivalents at the UPC

In Washtower v BEGA, the UPC applied the Plant-e equivalence test to grant a preliminary injunction, showing its willingness to find likely infringement beyond literal claim scope.

October 2, 2025

Dr Michelle Pratt in conversation with Matthew Ridley

Matthew Ridley shares insights on UK design law reform, green tech innovation and why early-stage inventors should protect their ideas through strategic IP planning.

September 29, 2025

Enlarged Board of Appeal Issues Ruling in G 2/24

The Enlarged Board of Appeal in G 2/24 upheld G 3/04, ruling that third parties intervening at appeal are parties as of right, not appellants and can’t continue proceedings if appeals are withdrawn.

September 25, 2025

Alternative foods: a case study

A deep dive into how IP is shaping the future of sustainable food. Explore patents in plant-based, cell-cultured and fermented alternatives driving food innovation.

September 18, 2025

Artificial Intelligence and sustainability: Irrevocably opposed?

AI holds promise for sustainability – but also consumes vast energy. We unpack whether AI can be part of the solution, or if it poses more harm than help to our planet.

September 17, 2025

More on claim interpretation at the EPO after G 1/24

G 1/24 clarifies that while the EPO must consult the description, claims take primacy. Patentees must draft claims clearly – no reliance on interpretive help from the description.

September 16, 2025

Intellectual property (IP) and photovoltaics: examining the EPO’s latest observatory report

EPO data shows sustained growth in photovoltaic patents, with China leading production. Europe’s universities and start-ups are driving innovation in PV devices, materials, and applications.

September 11, 2025

No help from Luxembourg: UPC Court of Appeal says CJEU can’t rule on interpretation of UPCA

The UPC Court of Appeal confirms its duty to interpret law in line with EU law but cannot seek CJEU rulings on the UPCA or RoP. One-month cost deadline held compatible with EU law.

September 9, 2025

Government consultation into changes to the UKIPO’s trade mark, design and tribunal services

The UKIPO’s second digital transformation consultation confirms key changes to trade mark services, including axing series marks and trialling mediation for IP disputes in 2025.

September 8, 2025

UKIPO launches major consultation on UK design law reform

The UKIPO has opened consultation on reforming UK design law, proposing a single unregistered design right, tackling registration abuse and enhancing GUI and animation protection.