Intellectual Property

IP Basics: Introduction to advertising law

We're surrounded by advertising in our daily lives, whether it be through traditional mediums like TV or radio or digital advertising in online media. All UK advertising needs to comply with advertising laws, codes and regulations. Advertising claims that are untrue or misleading, or that breaches the advertising rules, can risk damaging a brand's reputation and the valuable trust consumers have in a brand. To avoid mistakes and the issues that may arise in advertising law, Kate Hawkins ...

London Design Festival 2023: Collaborating in design

It is very common in the design world to collaborate with different people, be it working with another brand to launch a new product range, or an external design agency to design or finesse a product. Good collaboration is at the heart of creating a successful design. In this podcast our head of UK Brands and Designs John Coldham, explores the topic of collaboration with experts from world-renowned design businesses, including: Sara McNeill, head of Licensing, Merchandising, Partnerships ...

IP Basics: Copyright law

Copyright is an integral part of every business.  It is essential for every business, and in particular creators of original works, to understand this legal right in order to protect their creations. In this latest episode in our IP Basics podcast series, Khemi Salhan, in our Intellectual Property team, provides listeners with an overview of copyright law including: what copyright law is; what and who copyright law protects; copyright infringement, and how to know when a work has been...

IP Basics: Completing brand and design clearance

Are you aware of the brand and design clearance process? If you're creating a new brand or design you must be familiar with 'clearance', which refers to the checks that a company must run during the stage at which it is creating or establishing its brand or designs. Kate Swaine, co-head of our global IP team, takes you through the clearance process, the dos and don'ts, and the issues businesses should be aware of. You can find this episode and the accompanying transcript on our website: ...

IP Basics: How to protect your designs

Designs are often overlooked when it comes to intellectual property rights and protection. But now, people are becoming more aware of the breadth of what designs can cover and the new opportunities to enforce designs more cost effectively than before. In this IP Basics podcast, John Coldham provides listeners with an overview of designs, the differences between registered and unregistered designs, and practical tips for those considering filing a design. You can find this episode and the...

IP Basics: What you need to know about trademarks

Trademarks belong to the key assets of any company. They mark the face of your business and are essential for your success. You can register words, designs, logos, letters, numerals, colour shades, symbols and even sounds. In our next IP Basics podcast episode, Charlie Bond provides an overview on: how trademarks are protected in the UK what can and cannot be registered as a trademark; and how trademarks can be infringed and remedies against an infringer complemented with examples an...

IP Basics: Online brand infringement

Infringement of intellectual property can take many forms on line including sale of counterfeit products, copying websites, or registering a domain name using an existing brand name. So what can business do to mitigate the risk of infringement and stop the infringement if and when it does occur? In this IP Basics podcast, Zoe Pearman, in our Brands, Advertising and Designs team (which is part of our Intellectual Property Team) provides useful hints and tips for businesses on dealing with...

IP Basics: The law of passing off

What is passing off? In its simplest form, passing off is when a business misleads customers (whether intentionally or unintentionally) into believing their goods or services were actually those of another business so as to benefit from the reputation another business enjoys. A less familiar form of intellectual property right, passing off right applies to protect unregistered rights associated with a particular business, its goods or services. A very valuable asset for brand owners, this ...

'BAD' insights: IP rights in the metaverse

In this episode of our "BAD" (Brands, Advertising and Designs) podcast series, we hear from Charlie Bond and Lucy Singer in our Intellectual Property (IP) team as they discuss the topic of the metaverse.  In recent years, the metaverse has gained increasing amounts of awareness and attention. This has led to huge amounts of investment in the metaverse and it's estimated that the market will be worth a staggering $800 billion by 2024. Get to grips with the basic terminology associated wit...

'BAD insights': Navigating the UK and EU sanctions regimes in IP

In the second episode of our 'BAD' (Brands, Advertising and Designs) podcast series, we hear from James Stunt, in our EU, Trade and Competition team, as he explores the UK and EU sanctions regimes and their impact on intellectual property, as well as key considerations for IP rights holders. This podcast will provide you with an overview of the key provisions of the UK and EU sanctions regimes and how these may impact dealings involving intellectual property rights, including licencing. ...

'BAD' insights: The law of exhaustion and design protection post-Brexit in the EU and UK

In this first episode of our Brands, Advertising and Design podcast series, global IP team member Jasmine Lalli explores national, regional and international exhaustion and the changes in design protection post-Brexit. You can find this episode and the accompanying transcript on our website: https://gowlg.co/3YpYTL5  ... Gowling WLG is an international full-service law firm working across a range of industry sectors including real estate, government, financial services, life sciences a...

London Design Festival 2022: How designers approach sustainability

Almost every designer is now focusing on sustainability as part of their brief. Design influences how we live, work and play, so all designers must ask themselves: How can you make your design more sustainable whilst still bringing joy and excitement? And, sustainable designs can have many faces – ranging from green buildings to upcycling consumer goods to electric vehicles. In this podcast our head of Brands & Designs, John Coldham, chats to figures in the design world about how they are ...

In conversation with… 11. Robert MacDonald - Part 2

We conclude Season 1 of our 'In Conversation with Gowling WLG' podcast series with a special two-part episode, as global intellectual property partner Gordon Harris speaks to Robert MacDonald – a veritable legend of the IP world, a former colleague and long-time friend. We delve deep into IP, hearing Robert's high points and challenges, anecdotes, and advice garnered from an illustrious international career spanning four decades. In Part 2, Gordon Harris continues his conversation with I...

In conversation with… 12. Robert MacDonald - Part 2

We conclude Season 1 of our 'In Conversation with Gowling WLG' podcast series with a special two-part episode, as global intellectual property partner Gordon Harris speaks to Robert MacDonald – a veritable legend of the IP world, a former colleague and long-time friend. We delve deep into IP, hearing Robert's high points and challenges, anecdotes, and advice garnered from an illustrious international career spanning four decades. In Part 2, Gordon Harris continues his conversation with I...

In conversation with… 11. Robert MacDonald - Part 1

How has the intellectual property landscape changed over the last 40 years and how has this impacted IP case law globally? And, what was it really like acting on largescale cases in Soviet Russia? We conclude Season 1 of our 'In Conversation with Gowling WLG' podcast series with a special two-part episode, as global intellectual property partner Gordon Harris speaks to Robert MacDonald – a veritable legend of the IP world, a former colleague and long-time friend. We delve deep into IP, h...

London Design Festival 2021: Making designs a commercial success

What can designers do to ensure their designs and innovations are a commercial success? For our ninth consecutive year as a London Design Festival partner, UK Head of Brands & Designs, John Coldham, was joined by a panel of leading designers for a webinar discussion on how they've successfully established their businesses and protected their designs: • Martin Darbyshire, CEO and co-founder of tangerine and trustee of the Design Council, joined our panel once again, this time with Eleanor...

In conversation with… 10. Andrew Waugh

In this episode, we delve deep into the world of patent litigation and dispute resolution, to explore: • litigating with, and against, some of the world's foremost legal minds, on some of the largest scale and most impactful, important, and controversial IP cases of recent times; • the evolution of patent litigators over five decades, from the smaller Bar of the 80's to the booming, big business litigation of the present; • Treat-sized chocolates, trademark trapdoors, and tales from th...

In conversation with… 9. Andrea Brewster OBE

From an illustrious, longstanding career as a patent attorney, and becoming President of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys in the UK, to now leading the charge for stronger diversity and inclusion in IP. In the latest podcast in our 'In Conversation with Gowling WLG' series, global IP partner Gordon Harris speaks with Andrea Brewster OBE, founder and lead executive officer of IP Inclusive – an organisation aimed at improving diversity and accessibility in the IP profession. Fin...

In conversation with… 8. Patrick Rogers, CEO of Music Canada

In the latest podcast in our 'In Conversation with Gowling WLG' series, global IP partner Ryan Steeves speaks with Patrick Rogers, CEO of Music Canada, and the trade association for Canada's major record labels: Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada. In their discussion, Patrick and Ryan explore the music ecosystem and the significance of helping to protect intellectual property within Canada’s cultural industries. Patrick tells us about the import...

IT programming to IP problem solving: In conversation with Scott Roberts

In this episode, we explore rapid technology acceleration and its influence on the IP world, discussing how intellectual property is managing to stay ahead of the curve and navigate this ever-evolving landscape? Also discussing: balancing a hybrid role as in-house counsel whilst working on IP policy issues as President of the IP Federation; programming influences in IP problem solving, and how a grounding in technology can help in understanding inventions; the pace of change, and result...

In conversation with… 7. Scott Roberts - President of the IP Federation and Principal Patent Attorney at British Telecom

In this episode, we explore rapid technology acceleration and its influence on the IP world, discussing how intellectual property is managing to stay ahead of the curve and navigate this ever-evolving landscape? Also discussing: balancing a hybrid role as in-house counsel whilst working on IP policy issues as President of the IP Federation; programming influences in IP problem solving, and how a grounding in technology can help in understanding inventions; the pace of change, and result...

Rolling Stone cover wannabe to IP headliner: In conversation with Randall Rader

From early rock 'n' roll dreams, to headlining intellectual property on the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. In the latest podcast in our 'In Conversation with Gowling WLG' series, global IP partner Ron Dimock speaks to Randall Rader, former Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and longstanding career IP litigator and patents judge. What is the real value of IP for new inventions? And, how is the US handling cutting edge patent cases compa...

In conversation with… 6. Randall Rader - former Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

From early rock 'n' roll dreams, to headlining intellectual property on the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. In the latest podcast in our 'In Conversation with Gowling WLG' series, global IP partner Ron Dimock speaks to Randall Rader, former Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and longstanding career IP litigator and patents judge. What is the real value of IP for new inventions? And, how is the US handling cutting edge patent cases compa...

In conversation with… 6. Randall Rader - former Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

From early rock 'n' roll dreams, to headlining intellectual property on the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. In the latest podcast in our 'In Conversation with Gowling WLG' series, global IP partner Ron Dimock speaks to Randall Rader, former Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and longstanding career IP litigator and patents judge. What is the real value of IP for new inventions? And, how is the US handling cutting edge patent cases compa...

In conversation with… 5. Sir Robin Jacob - The Patent Bar and beyond, part two

In the first part of our latest 'In conversation with Gowling WLG' episode, we heard from the Right Honourable Professor Sir Robin Jacob, delving deep into the world of patents, exploring some of his most important and challenging IP cases over an illustrious career spanning 40 years. Join us for Part 2, with global IP partner Gordon Harris continuing his conversation with Sir Robin, as the pair talk: Sir Robin's Professorship at University College London, and what he is seeking to achiev...

In conversation with… 5. Sir Robin Jacob - The Patent Bar and beyond

In the first half of this special two-part episode, we delve deep into the world of patents, exploring some of Sir Robin's most important and challenging cases over an illustrious career spanning 40 years. In Part 1, we explore: Sir Robin's route to the Patent Bar, from Cambridge graduate to career litigator, reaching the post of Lord Justice of the Court of Appeal for England and Wales; precedent-setting and influential cases spanning Sir Robin's renowned career, including musings on N...

The UK Supreme Court, patent infringement, and the challenges of judging IP cases: In conversation with Lord Neuberger

What is it really like to be the UK Supreme Court's leading decision maker, interpreting some of the most important intellectual property decisions of recent times? In the latest podcast in our 'In Conversation with Gowling WLG' series, global IP partner Ron Dimock speaks to the Right Honourable Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury, former President of the United Kingdom Supreme Court. In this episode, we delve deep into the world of patent law, exploring some of the most important decisions in ...

In conversation with… 4. Rt. Honourable Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury - former President of the UK Supreme Court

What is it really like to be the UK Supreme Court's leading decision maker, interpreting some of the most important intellectual property decisions of recent times? In the latest podcast in our 'In Conversation with Gowling WLG' series, global IP partner Ron Dimock speaks to the Right Honourable Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury, former President of the United Kingdom Supreme Court. In this episode, we delve deep into the world of patent law, exploring some of the most important decisions in ...

Interviewer to interviewee: intellectual property journalism, evolving media with an ever-evolving sector, and what it's like to be managing editor at MIP?

How has the trade media model changed over the last 20 years, from print publications to digital multimedia solutions, and how is this facilitating interaction and supporting innovation in the IP sector? In the latest podcast in our 'In Conversation with Gowling WLG' series, the interviewer becomes the interviewee as global IP partner Gordon Harris speaks to Managing Intellectual Property (MIP) managing editor, Ed Conlon.

In conversation with… 3. Ed Conlon - Managing Editor at MIP

How has the trade media model changed over the last 20 years, from print publications to digital multimedia solutions, and how is this facilitating interaction and supporting innovation in the IP sector? In the latest podcast in our 'In Conversation with Gowling WLG' series, the interviewer becomes the interviewee as global IP partner Gordon Harris speaks to Managing Intellectual Property (MIP) managing editor, Ed Conlon. You can find a transcript for this episode on our website: http:/...

Blowing away the competition: design evolution, and what it's really like to be Head of IP at Dyson

Have you ever wondered what it is really like to be in charge of intellectual property at a huge IP based business like Dyson? In the latest podcast from our series, 'In Conversation with Gowling WLG', partner Gordon Harris chats with Simon Forrester, Group IP Director at Dyson, and the man responsible for protecting the global technology giant's ever-expanding product line. In our second episode, we find out first-hand what life is really like for Dyson's In-house Counsel, operating at ...

In conversation with… 2. Simon Forrester - Group IP Director at Dyson

Have you ever wondered what it is really like to be in charge of intellectual property at a huge IP based business like Dyson? In the latest podcast from our series, 'In Conversation with Gowling WLG', partner Gordon Harris chats with Simon Forrester, Group IP Director at Dyson, and the man responsible for protecting the global technology giant's ever-expanding product line. In our second episode, we find out first-hand what life is really like for Dyson's In-house Counsel, operating at ...

Inventor or creator: How is AI's rapid development influencing the evolution of IP protection?

How is the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) influencing the evolution of IP protection, and is it the technology itself, or the philosophical issues of authorship at the heart of change in the sector?

In conversation with… 1. Ulrike Till - Director of the Division of Artificial Intelligence Policy at WIPO

How is the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) influencing the evolution of IP protection, and is it the technology itself, or the philosophical issues of authorship at the heart of change in the sector? You can find a transcript for this episode on our website: http://bit.ly/393TnGr   Find out more about our Intellectual Property team here: https://bit.ly/3njZaNq  We regularly talk about a broad range of topics that may be of interest to you. Register for an account on...

London Design Festival 2019: Stop the copycats - protect your designs

Stop your ideas being ripped off by copycats and get to grips with how IP protection helps you throughout the lifecycle of a design. John Coldham, a leading designs lawyer, discusses practical ways for designers to protect their creativity against copycats, to ensure their investment is not wasted. Joined by Martin Darbyshire (CEO of tangerine) and Romi Mathew (Co-Founder of the Bluebell smart monitoring system for parents and babies) the podcast explains how design and technology can be...

Stop the copycats - protect your designs

Stop your ideas being ripped off by copycats and get to grips with how IP protection helps you throughout the lifecycle of a design. John Coldham, a leading designs lawyer, discusses practical ways for designers to protect their creativity against copycats, to ensure their investment is not wasted. Joined by Martin Darbyshire (CEO of tangerine) and Romi Mathew (Co-Founder of the Bluebell smart monitoring system for parents and babies) the podcast explains how design and technology can be...

IP Basics: 9. IP protection in China

Gowling WLG's Jamie Rowlands discusses intellectual property protection (IP) in China, looking at the benefits of registering IP in the jurisdiction. You can find a transcript for this episode on our website: http://bit.ly/393TnGr  Find out more about our Intellectual Property team here: https://bit.ly/3njZaNq  We regularly talk about a broad range of topics that may be of interest to you. Register for an account on our website to receive our latest articles, podcasts and webinars: ...

IP Protection in China

Gowling WLG's Jamie Rowlands discusses intellectual property protection (IP) in China, looking at the benefits of registering IP in the jurisdiction.

London Design Festival 2018: A multigenerational world - design to meet the challenge

Ground-breaking innovation means more than a clever idea; it means an idea that will make consumers happy. Good design is profitable - if you make things that work better and appeal to more people, they will pay for it. This is what multigenerational design is… The opportunity to make life easier or happier for more people, creating something that is truly accessible, inspiring more people to try a tact or use it. It takes great skill, thought and hard work to create a design like this, ...

A multigenerational world - design to meet the challenge

Ground-breaking innovation means more than a clever idea; it means an idea that will make consumers happy. Good design is profitable - if you make things that work better and appeal to more people, they will pay for it. This is what multigenerational design is… The opportunity to make life easier or happier for more people, creating something that is truly accessible, inspiring more people to try a tact or use it. It takes great skill, thought and hard work to create a design like this, ...

How to prove 'passing off'

Passing off' does not have a statutory basis and doesn't need to be registered to be effective. In this podcast, Michael Carter explains the basis for the tort of 'passing off' and outlines the circumstances in which it can be used alongside, or in place of, trademark rights to protect 'goodwill' in a business.

IP Basics: 8. How to prove 'passing off'

Passing off' does not have a statutory basis and doesn't need to be registered to be effective. In this podcast, Michael Carter explains the basis for the tort of 'passing off' and outlines the circumstances in which it can be used alongside, or in place of, trademark rights to protect 'goodwill' in a business. You can find a transcript for this episode on our website: http://bit.ly/393TnGr  Find out more about our Intellectual Property team here: https://bit.ly/3njZaNq  We regularly...

IP Basics: 7. Copyright law

It is essential for brand owners to understand the basic rules relating to copyrights. In this podcast, Meite Xin, an associate in the UK IP team, introduces you to some basic copyright concepts, including copyright subsistence, the ownership of copyright, the existence and international protection of copyright, the infringement of copyright and the limits to the scope of copyright law.  You can find a transcript for this episode on our website: http://bit.ly/393TnGr   Find out more a...

The basics of copyright law

It is essential for brand owners to understand the basic rules relating to copyrights. In this podcast, Meite Xin, an associate in the UK IP team, introduces you to some basic copyright concepts, including copyright subsistence, the ownership of copyright, the existence and international protection of copyright, the infringement of copyright and the limits to the scope of copyright law. 

The basics of trademark law

  To register a trademark, there are various criteria that need to be met. In this podcast, Charlie Bond goes through the basics of trademarks, with a focus on UK law and procedure, discussing what makes a good trademark and what remedies can be claimed against an infringer .

IP Basics: 6. Trademark law

To register a trademark, there are various criteria that need to be met. In this podcast, Charlie Bond goes through the basics of trademarks, with a focus on UK law and procedure, discussing what makes a good trademark and what remedies can be claimed against an infringer . You can find a transcript for this episode on our website: http://bit.ly/393TnGr  Find out more about our Intellectual Property team here: https://bit.ly/3njZaNq   We regularly talk about a broad range of topics t...

IP Basics: 5. An introduction to advertising law

Advertising is ever present in our lives, but barely a week goes by without advertising making the news for the wrong reasons. In this podcast, Jason Stephens discusses the key regulations in the advertising sector, as well as touching on the effect that Brexit will have on the industry. You can find a transcript for this episode on our website: http://bit.ly/393TnGr  Find out more about our Intellectual Property team here: https://bit.ly/3njZaNq  We regularly talk about a broad rang...

An introduction to advertising law

Advertising is ever present in our lives, but barely a week goes by without advertising making the news for the wrong reasons. In this podcast, Jason Stephens discusses the key regulations in the advertising sector, as well as touching on the effect that Brexit will have on the industry.

London Design Festival: Design Protection - Hindsight giving insight

London Design Festival 2017: Design protection - Hindsight giving insight

You can find a transcript for this episode on our website: http://bit.ly/393TnGr Find out more about our Intellectual Property team here: https://bit.ly/3njZaNq We regularly talk about a broad range of topics that may be of interest to you. Register for an account on our website to receive our latest articles, podcasts and webinars: http://bit.ly/38eOKtP