IP in the news

Most mapping apps are designed with drivers in mind. A new tool from a Barcelona public agency helps pedestrians avoid the sun on their stroll.

The European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights, based at the EUIPO, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) work together to publish studies and research on global trade in counterfeit and pirated products. The reports analyse the impact on the economy and the share of international trade affected by the phenomenon.

The European Patent Office (EPO) today announced the winners of the European Inventor Award 2021, its prestigious annual innovation prize.  The individuals and teams were recognised for their innovative contributions in the fields of nasal drug delivery, DNA-based data storage, nanomaterials in dentistry, solar cells for self-charging devices, organic semiconductors, and advances in tissue engineering.

Estonia is the latest country to join the initiative, linking 5 portals (Jupiter, Estonian shorts, Pro-music, Just Watch and SROC) that guide users to legal Series & Films, Music and Sports events. With this new addition, the initiative now covers 22 countries and over 2800 Legal Offer Sites!

Tere tulemast!

• Counterfeit products can pose serious health and safety risks
• 6.8% of EU imports – worth EUR 121 billion – are counterfeits
• EUR 4 billion worth of counterfeit pharmaceuticals are traded worldwide

According to the study European Citizens and Intellectual Property (IP) carried out by the European Union Intellectual Property Office, consumers still find it hard to distinguish between genuine and fake goods.

An EU-funded project has developed novel tools that are revolutionising how people use photography to portray stories

This Monday 7 June marks the deadline for Member States to transpose the new EU copyright rules into national law. The new Copyright Directive protects creativity in the digital age, bringing concrete benefits to citizens, the creative sectors, the press, researchers, educators and cultural heritage institutions across the EU.

The Copyright Society of China (CSC), a public, government-tied institution under the National Copyright Administration of China, launched the China Copyright Chain on Tuesday. 

The new blockchain can document proof of digital assets, monitor infringement activities, collect evidence online, issue notices to remove piracy products and help courts settle copyright-related disputes and process lawsuits, CSC said. 

Estonia's second geographical indication “Sõir” (the first one was “Estonian vodka”) has been confirmed by the European Council and published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 09.02.2021, opposition can be filed within three months.