New Patent Office obviousness guidance & more…Keep up with what has been happening this week in our latest IP news round-up…

UK Govt: “Pronounced Inaccuracies” in Press Reports on IP-Related Matters

A study on emerging public perceptions of intellectual property in UK media has found that there are “pronounced inaccuracies in the reporting on IP related matters in the UK Press.” An initial review published by the UK’s Intellectual Property Office notes that inaccurate reporting may be due to a “lack of understanding.” Further investigation would be required to find out the “cause and extent” and the subsequent impact on IP rights as understood by the public.

Five observations from one of the first interim conference hearings before the UPC

Discover five key takeaways from one of the first interim conference hearings before the UPC in this article by Oliver Laing and Georgia Carr from Potter Clarkson.

New Patent Office obviousness guidance

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently published an Updated Guidance for Making a Proper Determination of Obviousness. 89 Fed. Reg. 14,449 (Feb. 27, 2024). The updated guidance is not intended to change the law; rather, it serves as a reminder of the flexible approach to obviousness that is mandated by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in KSR Int’l Co. v. Teleflex Inc., 550 U.S. 398 (2007).

Queen Mary publishes a government report exploring intellectual property in the metaverse

A new report by Queen Mary Intellectual Property Research Institute (QMIPRI) delves into the potential ramifications of the Metaverse on intellectual property (IP) rights.

Intellectual property body to attract investment

RIYADH: Experts in innovation and economics have told Arab News that Saudi Arabia’s establishment of a specialised investigative body for intellectual property litigation will motivate innovative projects and attract foreign investment to the country.