Insights
Why the fifth major revision to China’s Trademark Law requires a strategy shift for brand owners
By Ashley Zhao | Posted on February 4, 2026
On December 22, 2025, the Draft Amendment to the Trademark Law of the People’s Republic of China was submitted to the 19th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress for deliberation for the first time. As the fifth major revision since the Trademark Law came into force in 1983, this amendment...
Het belang van heldere definities van alle octrooitermen en sterke terugvalposities (Toepassing van Besluit G1/24)
By Alexandre Theodorou | Posted on February 4, 2026
Onlangs, op 11 december 2025, heeft de Kamer van Beroep die de zaak behandelde die leidde tot Besluit G1/24, het betreffende octrooi ingetrokken. Het betwiste octrooi (EP3076804) Het betreffende octrooi betrof “een verwarmd aerosolgenererend artikel voor gebruik met een elektrisch aangedreven aerosolgenererend apparaat omvattende een verwarmingselement” (met andere woorden, een e-sigaret-navulling…). De hoofdconclusie van dit...
De l’importance de bien définir chaque terme dans un brevet et d’avoir de bonnes positions de repli (Application de la décision G1/24)
By Alexandre Theodorou | Posted on February 4, 2026
Récemment, le 11 décembre 2025, la chambre de recours en charge de l’affaire ayant conduit à la décision G1/24 a révoqué le brevet en cause. Le brevet contesté (EP3076804) Le brevet en cause concernait « un article de génération d’aérosol chauffé destiné à être utilisé avec un dispositif de génération d’aérosol à fonctionnement électrique comprenant un...
Why is it important to clearly define each term in a patent and have good fallback positions (Application of the Decision G1/24)
By Alexandre Theodorou | Posted on February 4, 2026
On December 11, 2025, the Board of Appeal handling the case that led to Decision G1/24 revoked the patent in question. The Contested Patent (EP3076804) The patent was related to “a heated aerosol-generating article for use with an electrically operated aerosol-generating device comprising a heating element” (essentially, an e-cigarette refill). The main claim as granted...
Recent Developments in the Patent Prosecution Highway
By Troels Peter Rørdam | Posted on January 23, 2026
The Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) network continues to expand, and we at AWA remain one step ahead by closely monitoring the new expansions and emerging opportunities. Recently, European patent applicants have been presented with new opportunities to expedite and simplify examination of their patent applications. This opportunity adds to the EPO’s existing 18 agreements with...
Why you should pursue patents in the clean beauty sector
By Ylva Strandberg | Posted on January 20, 2026
Clean beauty is growing rapidly with cosmetics made with non-toxic, safe, and sustainably sourced ingredients. Driven by consumer demand for transparency and wellness, it emphasises ingredient clarity, ethical practices, and eco-friendly packaging to build consumer trust. Clean beauty is a significant market for brands prioritising health and environmental responsibility. The European clean beauty market was...
Inventor information requirements in the amended Chinese Patent Examination Guidelines
By Hongyue Li | Posted on January 6, 2026
The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) announced the latest revisions to the Patent Examination Guidelines on November 10, 2025, which came into effect on January 1, 2026. Among the revisions, the updated requirements for filing all inventors’ information in patent applications have garnered widespread attention across the industry. This update clarifies the modification to the inventor...
Unlocking Growth with the EUIPO SME Fund
By Alexandre Theodorou | Posted on October 20, 2025
The SME Fund 2025, an initiative by the European Commission and the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), is designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the EU. From October 20, the following vouchers will reopen for applications: These three vouchers had been fully claimed previously, but on 16 October, EUIPO announced it was reopening...
Denmark takes a stand against deepfakes – rules are not yet law
By Laura Stravinskaite | Posted on August 12, 2025
Denmark has received international attention for its political agreement aimed at protecting individuals from misuse of their likeness and voice through deepfake technology. However, while many online articles refer to it as a new law, it is important to clarify that this is not yet enacted legislation, but rather a political agreement—a legislative proposal still in the making. The agreement, supported by...
Paris Court rules Hermès’ copyright and trademark infringed in upcycled fashion case
By Laura Stravinskaite | Posted on July 9, 2025
On April 10, 2025, the Paris Judicial Court handed down a pivotal decision in favour of Hermès, finding that S.A.S. MAISON R&C, S.A.S. ATELIER R&C, and Géraldine Lugassy Demri had infringed Hermès’ copyrights and its registered word mark by incorporating parts of Hermès silk scarves—featuring original graphic works—onto denim jackets marketed as...
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