Boult Wade Tennant
/es

Bulletins Title

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versio

image
Granini has last laugh

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.

image
Key takeaways from CJEU decision C-382/21 (27 February 2024)

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.

image
UPC actions involving pending European patent applications

The UPC’s competence over pending European patent applications remains unclear - but the impact on opt-outs could be significant. We explore risks, rules and practical takeaways for applicants.

image
R&D funding and the Patent Box for green tech start-ups: Mini series part four

In the final part of our mini-series, Boult’s green tech team shares five key IP tips for start-ups to protect, develop and finance their innovations effectively and affordably.

image
Sunday Times Best Places to Work – wellbeing at Boult

Boult is thrilled to be recognised in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025, especially for our strong staff wellbeing and retention culture, supported by our dedicated Wellness Team.

image
G1/23 decision published

In G1/23, the EPO Enlarged Board confirmed that marketed products and related public technical info form prior art - even if reproduction is complex or not feasible pre-filing.

image
New UK IPO guidance for trade mark applicants following SkyKick: a change of UK IPO practice: what you need to know

PAN 1/25, effective 27 June 2025, introduces a new UK IPO examination practice post-SkyKick, targeting overly broad or vague trade mark applications and aiming to curb bad faith filings.

image
Dr Michelle Pratt in conversation with Trade Mark Partner Rachel Conroy

Rachel Conroy shares insights on her 18-year journey at Boult, leading its award-winning trade mark team, embracing challenges like Brexit, and valuing team fit, growth, and clear communication.

image
Debunking common myths about the UPC and UPs: some basics and not-so-basics

The UPC has been open for two years. We bust common myths and misconceptions about the Unified Patent Court and Unitary Patent system, with practical insights and updates from our experts.

image
Copyrightability of AI generated works

CAIP2 confirms AI-created works lack US copyright unless there's identifiable human input. Prompts alone don’t qualify - yet. UK also weighs how to protect AI-involved content.

image
AI and data analytics in food tech

AI is reshaping food tech—from disease detection in crops to personalised nutrition and smart packaging. Innovation is booming, and IP protection is key as patent filings rise across the sector.

image
International Women in Engineering Day

This International Women in Engineering Day, we share perspectives from two of our engineers on their career paths and what excites them about working in IP and engineering.

image
G1/24 explained: the description and figures must be considered in claim interpretation

G1/24 clarifies claim interpretation under the EPC, confirming that the description and drawings must always be consulted - an important shift in EPO practice.

image
G1/24: The Enlarged Board of Appeal issues its decision

In G1/24, the EPO Enlarged Board ruled that claims must always be interpreted in light of the description and drawings when assessing patentability, even if the claims appear clear on their own.

image
Use of the EPO’s problem-and-solution approach for assessing inventive step at the UPC

The UPC’s Court of First Instance confirms the EPO’s problem-and-solution approach as the main method for assessing inventive step, ensuring consistency and legal certainty across Europe.

image
Go ask Alice

In Alice Ltd v Photogram, the High Court upheld ALICE's trade mark, confirming infringement and dismissing revocation. A reminder: even modest, well-documented use can protect broad rights.

image
The AI Continent Action Plan – The EU’s bid to become a global leader in AI

The EU's AI Continent Action Plan aims to make Europe a global AI leader by enhancing infrastructure, expanding data access, fostering talent, and building a strong regulatory framework.

image
No time restriction on competence of the UPC

The UPC now has confirmed authority over pre-UPCA infringements, even during opt-out periods. This landmark decision reshapes jurisdiction expectations.

image
UK’s green transition: Rising patent filings and the quest for green skilled talent

As UK green tech patents surge, a talent gap threatens progress. Boult helps innovators protect ideas, access funding, and turn sustainable vision into reality with smart IP strategies.

image
R&D funding and the Patent Box for green tech start-ups: Mini series part three

This part of our green tech funding series covers the UK Patent Box—a scheme offering 10% corporation tax on profits from patented IP. Learn eligibility, timing, income types, and R&D credit links.

image
INTA 2026 in London

INTA 2026 is coming to London. We've produced a handy guide to help you with your planning including where to stay and eat.

image
Offending life and human dignity?

EPO decision T1553/22 rejects a patent on human-pig chimeras, citing ethical concerns under Article 53(a) EPC due to risks to human dignity from pluripotent stem cell use.

image
Dr Michelle Pratt in conversation with Daryl Penny, Partner, European Patent Attorney, and UPC Representative at Boult.

Daryl Penny shares insights on EPO oppositions, UPC litigation, team strategy, and career advice from 23+ years in patents. A must-read for those navigating European IP law.

image
Two years down, five years to go until the end of the UPC transitional period

The UPC's 7-year transitional period (2023–2030) allows opt-outs of “classical” European patents from UPC jurisdiction. After 2030, opt-out ends, UPC gains full control unless already opted out.

image
Food packaging and sustainable packaging

The article explores how smart packaging is revolutionizing the food and beverage industry through sustainable materials, freshness tech, interactive features, and improved tracking and security.

image
CJEU decision concerning SPCs for combination products (joined cases C-119/22 and C-149/22)

The CJEU clarifies SPC Regulation Article 3, ruling on combination products and basic patent protection, aligning with the AG’s opinion but leaving interpretation of "invention" under Article 3(a) open.

image
EUIPO announces its approach to AI

The EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has released details of its approach to artificial intelligence (AI) and its current use of AI

image
R&D funding and the Patent Box for green tech start-ups: Mini series part two

Discover UK R&D funding for green tech beyond IP, including UKRI grants, Innovate UK competitions, Catapult schemes, KTPs, and DASA support for defence-related innovations.

image
Court of Appeal Endorses Orgatex T-25/23 in Safestand v Weston

Case Overview In this Court of Appeal case ([2025] EWCA Civ 374), Safestand successfully appealed a High Court ruling that their designs

image
 Dr Michelle Pratt in conversation with Emma Pitcher, Partner and Chartered Trade Mark Attorney at Boult

MP: Thank you for agreeing to take part in our conversation series which highlights and celebrates the incredible people at the heart

image
Global insights: Patent protection for polymorphs

Globally, patent protection for polymorphs continues to evolve, with different jurisdictions applying nuanced (and often inconsistent) tests for patentability. Here, we intend

image
What is a “licence of right” in the UK and Germany?

This article provides a brief explanation of a “licence of right”, both in respect of a UK national or EP(UK) patent (via

image
Updates to EPO guidelines relating to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

An updated version of the European Patent Office’s guidelines came into force on April 1st 2025. There are some interesting changes related

image
UPC’s first annual report – a brief overview

The Unified Patent Court (UPC) has recently produced its first annual report, for 2024. The report provides an overview of the Court,

image
Insights to patent drafting for food and beverage innovations

Food & beverage innovations can be patented through unique formulations & processes. Boult provides expert patent drafting to protect your ideas effectively.

image
UPC infringement action – DO NOT delay requesting provisional measures

The UPC ruling highlights the importance of timely action for provisional measures, stressing quick evidence gathering and adherence to procedural rules for patent claims.

image
Update: Oral proceedings in case G1/24 – we await the Enlarged Board’s written decision

Oral proceedings before the Enlarged Board of Appeal (G1/24) were held on 28 March 2025, to discuss the extent to which the

image
New EPO and Unitary Patent guidelines come into force

Updated guidelines issued by the European Patent Office (EPO) have come into force today, 1st April 2025. The EPO annually update their guidelines

image
Dr Michelle Pratt in conversation with Barbara Niemann Fadani

Dr Michelle Pratt in conversation with Barbara Niemann Fadani, Attorney-at-Law from Boult’s Munich office. MP: Hi Barbara, thank you for taking the

image
The UPC in numbers – June 2023 to February 2024

The Unified Patent Court (UPC) has recently released updated details of the case load of the Court* since it commenced operations in

image
The UPC begins with revocation actions in the life sciences

On the 1 June 2023, the Unified Patent Court (UPC) opened its doors for business and some of the first customers were

image
Initial thoughts after one week of the Unified Patent Court

After years in the planning, the Unified Patent Court (UPC) opened its doors for business on 1 June 2023, also bringing an

image
New UPC Central Division location announced to be Milan

Jo Pelly, Partner, wrote recently about the Unified Patent Court’s division of work between its Central Divisions in the article: UPC Central Divisions

image
UPC Central Divisions: How will work be split between Paris and Munich?

The Unified Patent Court (UPC) has a complicated Court structure, including a Court of First Instance made up of Central, Local and

image
BREAKING NEWS: The UPC is due to open on 1st June 2023

After years of uncertainty in the timeline of the Unified Patent Court (UPC), it has just been announced that Germany will ratify

image
UPC Announces Two Month Delay to Start Date

The Unified Patent Court (UPC) have today announced that the start of the Sunrise Period for the new UPC is being delayed

image
EPO announces transitional measures for the Unitary Patent to encourage an early uptake

As we wait to see if the previously indicated start date for the sunrise period of the opening of the #UnifiedPatentCourt is

image
UPC Roadmap Published

The Preparatory team for the Unified Patent Court (UPC) has just issued an ‘implementation roadmap’ outlining the key activities and milestones of

image
Updated UPC timeline just announced

A few months into the Provisional Application Phase, the Unified Patent Court (UPC) is definitely gaining momentum. Judges are being interviewed and

image
The UPC moves another step closer: The Provisional Application Phase Has Begun!

The Provisional Application Phase (PAP) of the Unified Patent Court (UPC) has finally started! Austria deposited their ratification of the PAP-Protocol on

image
The UPC – Should I opt out my patent or not?

The new Unified Patent Court (UPC) is expected to open its doors in late 2022 or early 2023. The UPC will be

image
Austria brings the UPC a step closer

We’ve known for a while that the Unified Patent Court (UPC) was getting closer to becoming a reality after a very bumpy

image
Reheating The UPC

The UPC Preparatory Committee met on 27 October 2021, and it seems that preparations for the Unified Patent Court (UPC) are warming

image
The Unitary Patent is coming

The European Unitary Patent is slowly entering the home straight. The Federal Constitutional Court in Germany rejected the constitutional complaint against the

image
Will the sun ever rise over the UPC?

The Unified Patent Court (UPC) reminds me of a soap opera story line where you are always wondering if two particular characters

image
UK confirms non-participation in the Unified Patent Court

It was recently announced that the UK has notified the European Council that it has withdrawn its ratification of the Unified Patent

image
Further Blow for UPC

In a further blow for the Unified Patent Court(UPC), the German constitutional court has today announced that the German ratification of the

image
The UPC: 2020 and beyond

As 2019 drew to a close, a statement was issued by the Chairman of the UPC Preparatory Committee, Alexander Ramsay.  As well