28.10.2024
We refer to our mailshot earlier this year which discussed the protection of intellectual property rights and the prevention of infringing or counterfeit goods from crossing borders by filing Applications for Action (AFAs) with customs in the UK and EU.
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As a reminder, an AFA informs customs of intellectual property rights (including trade marks, patents, designs and copyright) owned by rights holders as well as other pertinent information that allows customs to identify and seize potential counterfeit and infringing goods.
With regard to EU AFAs, the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2399 of 12 September 2024 is now in force and can be read here. As of 03 October 2024, all EU AFAs must be filed, maintained and managed electronically, where computerised systems are in place.
Therefore, rights holders can submit eAFAs to customs through the IP Enforcement Portal (IPEP) at IP Enforcement Portal - Observatory (europa.eu) which is the EU AFA e-filing and management portal for all EU Member States or through the online national systems in Germany, Italy or Spain. IPEP is connected to the central EU customs database, COPIS (Counterfeit and anti-Piracy Information System), where the AFA information is stored and exchanged with customs. Paper copies may only be filed where there is a temporary failure of COPIS or one of the online portals.
We are eagerly awaiting updates regarding the introduction of the digital signature.
Our Irish offices would be delighted to provide any advice in relation to this change and to assist in filing eAFAs on your behalf through IPEP. For any EU AFA enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Galway@keltie.com and Aisling.Murphy@keltie.com. For any UK AFA enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Eleni.Mezulanik@keltie.com and Amber.Waynik@keltie.com.
12.02.2025
Setting your IP strategy – Part I: Prioritisation of IP in AIAs a commercial tool, IP rights can increase profits, attract investment, and raise a company's valuation. However, if not approached strategically, the sometimes relatively high costs involved in securing and maintaining some IP rights may render them not worth the investment. More specifically, in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), additional requirements associated with some IP rights may impact an IP strategy. The following article outlines a number of key considerations and tips for maximising the financial benefits of IP in AI.
25.02.2025
Updated UKIPO Guidance on Patenting AIOn 30 January 2025, the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) published an update to the guidelines for examining patent applications relating to artificial intelligence (AI) following the Court of Appeal decision in Emotional Perception AI Ltd v Comptroller-General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks [2024] EWCA Civ 825.
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