In a precedential order issued 22 June 2026, USPTO Director John A. Squires took the rare step of initiating sua sponte Director Review across three inter partes review (IPR) proceedings to provide meaningful guidance on when “exceptional circumstances” justify extending
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The “Showgirl” Showdown: What the Taylor Swift Lawsuit Reveals About Creative Expression, Trademarks, and Commercial Identity
Taylor Swift has long been a household name, but in recent years she has become a commercial powerhouse. It is this commercial power that landed her in hot water with the release of her album ‘The Life of a Showgirl’.
The UK Sporting Events Bill 2026—A New Playbook for Major Events?
The UK government introduced a new Sporting Events Bill in the House of Lords on 14 May 2026 (the Bill), intending to establish a permanent UK-wide legal framework to streamline delivery of major international sporting tournaments in the United Kingdom
High Court “Zips” Up Honest Concurrent Use
In a decision with major implications for brand strategy, the High Court of Australia has upheld a high bar for traders to adopt a brand name “honestly”.
The High Court has handed down its decision in Zip Co Limited v
Artificial Intelligence and Copyright: Where Does the UK Stand?
The UK Government’s report on the copyright and AI consultation was recently published. While the report confirms that balancing the interests of copyrights holders and AI developers is a complex exercise, it also provides an indication of likely scenarios to
Dividing and Conquering: Best Method Obligations Follow Every Divisional Patent Application
In an important decision, the Full Federal Court in The NOCO Company v Brown and Watson International 1 held that the relevant date for assessing the best method known to the applicants is the filing date of each divisional application.
USPTO Introduces Patent Owner Pre Order Submission on SNQ in Ex Parte Reexam
In an Official Gazette notice dated 1 April 2026, the USPTO announced a new procedure allowing patent owners to submit a limited “pre order” paper addressing whether a third party ex parte reexamination request raises a Substantial New Question (SNQ)
Fame Isn’t Everything: Australian Designer Trumps Popstar After Long-Running KATY/KATIE PERRY Trade Mark Dispute
By: Gregory Pieris, Talia Le Couteur Scott, and Joshua Debinski
The High Court of Australia has handed down its highly anticipated decision in Taylor v Killer Queen LLC [2026] HCA 5 in a narrow 3-2 majority, ending a decade-long
US Design Patents and ITC Enforcement: Are Design Patents the Most Interesting Intellectual Property Asset in ITC Investigations?
A recent final determination in Investigation No. 337-TA-1400 issued by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) may have some clients saying, “I don’t always seek ITC enforcement. But when I do, I prefer to include a design patent.” GoPro, Inc.
Never Get Waived: Federal Court Rules Blanket Moral Rights Waiver Clauses are Not Enforceable in Australia
The Federal Court of Australia has delivered a landmark decision in McCallum v Projector Films1, finding that general moral rights waivers for copyright works are not enforceable.
The decision follows an urgent interlocutory injunction in the Federal Court last