On 20 November 2017 the European brand owner association (MARQUES) published a Brexit position paper where it sets out its position about the upcoming Brexit and the concerns towards the so far not drawn consequences for EU harmonised IP rights. 

Source: Pixabay Read more about IP Rights after Brexit? The European brand owner association expresses its concerns

Benoît Battistelli, the current President of the European Patent Office (EPO) will be ending his 5-year term as the EPO President in the end of May 2018. The Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation has elected Portuguese António Campinos to fulfill his position as the EPO President.

Source to the photo. Read more about António Campinos will be the new EPO President from June 2018

On 6 September 2017 the European Commission published its position paper on issues regarding IP rights after the withdrawal date of the UK. It lays down the main principles to be taken into account in the negotiations under the Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon with the UK.

Source: Pixabay Read more about IP Rights after Brexit: The European Commission lists five general principles in its position paper

Geographical Indications, also known as GIs, are forms of intellectual property protection designed to protect indications associated with a location. GIs provide consumers accurate information regarding the origin of a product, as well as promote local production and enhance competitiveness. With its nearly 3,400 registered geographical indications, the European Union has been traditionally the forerunner in the field. Germany is well-known for its beers, but what else comes from Germany? In the map below is elaborated well-known GIs of Germany based on their origin.​

Source: Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture website.

  Read more about Geographical Indications: IP Protection for Wines, Foodstuffs and Agricultural Products