Patents
Our European, UK and German experts advise on the creation, exploitation and enforcement of IP rights across a wide range of sectors. They provide creative IP solutions and outstanding client service.
MOREThe Boult trade mark team has market-leading experience before the UK Intellectual Property Office, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), and foreign registries, in overcoming objections, successfully prosecuting and defending oppositions and appeals, and in revocation and invalidity work. The team has years of experience acting before the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA), the German courts, the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (SPTO), the Spanish Civil and Commercial Courts, and similarly at the General Court, CJEU. We help in securing registrations for our clients, sometimes for difficult or unusual marks.
Given that it is better not to have a costly dispute when it can be avoided, a large part of the team’s work is in the field of dispute avoidance and dispute resolution. We are highly skilled and experienced negotiators in trade mark law and trade mark registration, understanding the likely endgame and using that knowledge to leverage good outcomes for our clients. We have particular expertise in the creation and management of large portfolios, searching and watching, domain name recovery, and trading standards and customs work. We understand that a business strategy may include expanding into new territories overseas and a client may require a local representative. In addition to our offices in the UK, Germany and Spain, we have developed strong relationships with local IP firms throughout the world.
The team supports horticultural and biopharma clients, has significant experience in UK plant breeders' rights, can assist clients in obtaining rights across Europe and offers advice on infringement risks associated with rights held by third parties.
MOREThe European Patent Office (EPO) has insisted upon the adaptation of the description to avoid inconsistencies with amended claims. A Board of Appeal has referred questions on the matter.
In a recent decision dated 18 July 2025, the Mannheim Local Division of the Unified Patent Court (UPC) has issued an injunction against Kodak in the United Kingdom.
EUIPO upheld opposition to ‘Joker Reels’ by Granini France’s ‘JOKER +’. Decision stresses mark distinctiveness can't be dismissed solely due to broad goods descriptions.
CJEU clarifies Registered EU Designs (REUD) can claim priority from PCT apps, but must file within 6 months. Validity of priority claims from PCTs with earlier patents remains uncertain.