December 10, 2008

The EPO define a computer implemented invention as an invention that works by using a computer, a computer network or other programmable apparatus. To qualify, the invention also needs to have one or more features which are “realis...

December 11, 2008

Following up to our earlier blog post, a new decision has been issued in the ongoing legal battle between Mattel, the makers of Barbie dolls, and MGA, the makers of Bratz.  Last week Mattel was able to get an injunction to stop Bra...

December 16, 2008

Data protection laws regulate how personal data is used. The UK principal legislation in this area is the Data Protection Act 1998 (“DPA“) which implements the EU”s Data Protection Directive. If you market or intend to market goods...

December 24, 2008

Azrights is organising a meeting of sole practitioner IP/IT law firms to explore the possibility of sharing certain costs and resources, particularly those of working towards Investors in People and Lexcel accreditation, and genera...

A problem faced by bands sometimes is the discovery of another band sharing the same name. Unfortunately this rarely happens at the early stages when a band first adopts its name. Often, a substantial amount of marketing and ...

August 28, 2008

In a strange turn of events, Mattel (makers of Barbie) and MGA (makers of Bratz) are disputing how much a jury awarded Mattel. The sum could be either $40 million or $100 million but the decision is ambiguous. MGA has argued that the...

The Gambling Act which came into force on 1 September 2007 presents a trap for the unwary.  For those running anything other than a skill competition or a free prize draw it is essential to be aware of the dangers of unknowingly...