Our seminar focused on current developments and practice-relevant topics in patent law, trade mark law and design protection.
Day 1 - Our afternoon seminar began with presentations addressing a range of global topics. Current challenges facing companies active in international trade were analysed with a look at the exhaustion of patent rights in Korea, followed by the issues facing parallel importers of pharmaceuticals within the EU. In particular, the EU focus presented discussion on the tension between trade mark exhaustion and competition law.
Our final presentation introduced revised EU law and the effect of technical features and 3D printing, offering exciting new perspectives and options for designers and companies wishing to protect their valuable innovations.
The day concluded with a private tour of the Bavaria Filmstadt Studios followed by a traditional Bavarian dinner, allowing participants to exchange ideas, catch up with old friends and make new contacts in a relaxed atmosphere.
Day 2 - In a bonus early bird session, current developments relating to standard essential patents (SEPs) and the Unified Patent Court (UPC) were discussed. There then followed intensive discussions on the exhaustion of patent rights in Germany and the European Economic Area.
Many presentations discussed practical issues, including:
These topics were well received and stimulated intense discussions.
The afternoon session offered valuable insights into best practices in trade mark filing practices in the UK, Germany and the EU, and concluded with strategies for patent enforcement in the USA and alternative options in Europe.
After two content-rich days, we then headed to the highlight of our seminar: the Oktoberfest. Our attendees were able to bring their time with us to a close in Bavarian style with local specialties and an exuberant atmosphere.
We would like to thank all participants and speakers for their valuable contributions and are already looking forward to the IP Days 2025!
