Nicht kategorisiert – Patentanwälte Roche, von Westernhagen & Ehresmann

Changes in guideline for examination

The revised Guidelines for Examination in the European Patent Office (EPO) will enter into force on 1 April 2026.
Greater emphasis will now be placed on the principle of the free evaluation of evidence.

USPTO remains fully operational despite U.S. government shutdown

At present, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is not affected by a possible U.S. government shutdown. The Office has announced that it will continue its operations without restriction until further notice, even in the event of a lapse in federal appropriations.

News from Brussels: The Union Design

News from Brussels: The Union Design Since 1 May 2025, it is official: the term “Community design” has been replaced by the simplified term “Union design”. This mirrors the “Community trademark”, which was renamed “European Union trademark” nine years ago. The following additional changes entered into force on 1 May 2025: 1. The “Ⓓ” is here! Similar […]

Recommended Adjustment of Your IP Strategy in the United States in Light of Increased American Trade Tariffs:

The recently imposed U.S. tariffs on European products may require European companies to revise their international intellectual property (IP) strategy. There may be an increased need for local IP protection in the United States, for the following reasons:

Overview of International Patent Applications in 2024

The World Organization for intellectual Property (WIPO/OMPI) has recently published an updated summary of international patent applications (so-called PCT applications) filed in the past year. In 2024, a total of 273,900 PCT applications were recorded – a slight increase of 0.5% compared to the previous year.

Substantial Increase with new fees at USPTO

Substantial Increase with new fees at USPTO The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced that its fees will increase effective January 19, 2025. The official total costs for filing, search, examination, and issuance of design patents will increase by approximately 48%. For each independent patent claim over three, a fee of $600 […]

Costa Rica Joins the European Patent System

Costa Rica Joins the European Patent System A significant milestone in the international protection of intellectual property: Costa Rica has joined the European Patent Convention (EPC). The accession will take effect on January 1, 2025. From this date, it will be possible to validate granted European patents in Costa Rica. The validation process follows a […]

Uzbekistan Joins the Hague System

Uzbekistan Joins the Hague System: New Opportunities for Design Protection As from 17th February 2025, Uzbekistan will become a member of the Hague System for the International Registration of Industrial Designs, administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This system allows businesses to protect their designs in multiple countries through a single application, significantly reducing […]

Award from Financial Times

Award from Financial Times: Europe’s Leading Patent Law Firms 2024 We are delighted to have been honoured by Financial Times with a top-ranking as one of “Europe’s Leading Patent Law Firm 2024”. The article has been published on 13th June 2024. On this occasion, we would like to thank our clients and colleagues for their high […]

New fees at the EPO

New fees at the European Patent Office from 1 April 2024 The European Patent Office has announced that a number of fee changes will enter into force on 1 April 2024. Some of the official fees will be increased significantly. For example, the 3rd renewal fee will rise from EUR 530 to EUR 690, which […]