As part of efforts to reduce the hearings backlog for both patents and trade marks, from 1st April 2021 until 30th September 2021 IPONZ will trial a system that aims to utilize spaces for hearings that become available at short notice.
Simulations Based on Technical Principles Not Sufficient for Solving a Technical Problem
In G 1/19 (Simulation) the Enlarged Board of the Boards of Appeal held that whether a computer implemented simulation of a technical system or process solves a technical problem by producing a technical effect that goes beyond the simulation’s implementation on a computer needs to be determined on a case-by-case basis.
US Appeals Court Finds Redbubble Online Marketplace Potentially Directly Infringing
In The Ohio State University v Redbubble Inc 19-3388 the Court of Appeal for the Sixth Circuit (CA6C) found that Redbubble’s online marketplace more than merely facilitated infringement of Ohio State University (OSU) trademarks and so reversed and remanded the District Court’s summary judgment of non-infringement.
Should Unregistered Marks Have a Special Circumstances Exception for Non-Use?
As a common law country New Zealand's trade mark legislation favours use over registration. However, the privileges available for unregistered marks appear vulnerable to non-use due to circumstances outside the control of the owner.