Prosecution

Sounds transcend languages, facilitating emotion and engagement without barriers. Marketers and advertisers understand and leverage this power in promoting goods and services. However, only sounds that fulfil the essential distinctive function can be registered as trademarks.

Investing in sound

The Copyright Amendment Bill (CAB) in South Africa has been one of the most debated legislative proposals in recent years, aiming to modernise the country’s copyright framework.

As of 2024, the bill is among 20 pieces of legislation awaiting President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signature, but its enactment has been delayed due to concerns over its constitutionality. The bill has been referred to the Constitutional Court for review, a decision that will significantly impact South Africa’s creative and intellectual property landscape.

Africa is beginning to make its mark in the international space sector, driven by growing investment and innovation. The 2025 inauguration of the African Space Agency represents a key milestone in this expansion.

Occasionally, the principle of morality, as outlined in Article 7(1)(f) of the European Union Trademark Regulation (EUTMR), prompts discussions regarding its interpretation.

Since this principle is grounded in subjective values that rely on the fundamental ethical norms accepted by civilised society at any given time, it must be constantly reassessed, reconsidered and even modernised.

The Libyan Trademark Office has announced that it will temporarily suspend the acceptance of new trademark applications from March 5, 2025, to April 10, 2025. However, the office will continue to process oppositions, appeals, and renewals during this period.

For more information, please contact us at info@inventa.com

The webinar “Protect Your IP with IT and Inventa: Software Patents and Artificial Intelligence” took place on February 26, with the participation of Inventa.

The event was held at the Telecommunications Institute (IT) in Lisbon and highlighted the main challenges and opportunities in protecting computer-implemented inventions, including those driven by Artificial Intelligence.

The global luxury market is expanding, and Africa is increasingly becoming a key area of interest for high-end brands. The continent’s growing middle class, economic diversification, and burgeoning urban centers present significant opportunities for luxury brands to establish a presence. However, the protection of these brands requires robust IP strategies, particularly in markets where counterfeit goods and weak enforcement mechanisms remain prevalent.

The scope of the challenge

The EU Design Reform introduces critical updates, including a new EU-wide repair clause, streamlined filing processes, and changes to fees.

João Pereira Cabral provides a thorough breakdown of the key changes, offering practical insights into how these updates will affect design protection across Europe.
 

Read the full article on IP Stars.

Chocolate enthusiasts will note that certain specialty chocolates are not available during the summer, creating anticipation for their return after the ‘silly season’. Meanwhile, summer often brings limited-edition products, such as those featuring tropical fruit flavours or refreshing combinations, introduced specifically for the season. Typical summer festivals also contribute to this wave of exclusive offerings. As the season shifts, some products and services exit the market while others return.

The Global Innovation Index 2024, launched by WIPO includes a new indicator that compares an economy's level of development with the impact of its social enterprises, recognizing these ventures for their ability to drive transformative innovation across sectors. These enterprises, often overlooked in traditional models, are contributing significantly to GDP and societal progress by addressing global challenges through innovative solutions.