USPTO show-cause orders for zero-term filings
The USPTO is mailing orders to show cause in pending applications that would issue with no patent term. What the notice says, and what it leaves open.
Patents
Patent prosecution, oppositions and unitary effect — the deadline mechanics that decide whether an intellectual property right actually survives to enforcement.
Swiss intellectual property rights explained
Switzerland protects four intellectual property rights under its own law. Which ones need registration, how long each lasts, and which court decides.
EPO electronic filing: the 2026 rules
The EPO President's decision of 25 March 2026 (OJ EPO 2026, A19) resets which tool, which format and which signature are valid for electronic filing.
Ex parte Baurin: OTDP after Allergan
The USPTO's precedential Ex parte Baurin narrows the Allergan v MSN reading for continuations — and asks the Federal Circuit for clarification.
EPO fees from 1 April 2026: the new schedule
The Administrative Council's decision of 11 December 2025 sets revised EPO fees from 1 April 2026. What the new amounts are, and where they bite in prosecution.
EPO Mailbox notification from 1 April 2026
From 1 April 2026 an EPO document is notified on the date it lands in an activated Mailbox. What OJ 2026, A20 fixes — and what it leaves to your process.
Settlement licences and US patent marking
The Federal Circuit's VDPP v Volkswagen decision puts licensee marking compliance in issue at the pleading stage. What US settlement agreements must now say.
PCT minimum documentation: what changed in 2026
Twenty national patent collections, Ukraine's included, joined the PCT minimum documentation on 1 January 2026. What it means for search and validity work.
US injunctions: no presumption of harm
A precedential CAFC ruling vacates a preliminary injunction over the presumption of irreparable harm and a claim term recast under § 112(f).
New EU tech transfer rules: licence checklist
Regulation (EU) 2026/877 has replaced the 2014 technology transfer block exemption. What licensing teams must re-check in live and draft agreements now.
Swiss Patent Act 2027: what actually changes
The revised Swiss Patent Act enters into force on 1 January 2027: mandatory published search, optional examination, earlier annuities, English filing.
US patents: mandatory US counsel from July 2026
From 20 July 2026 foreign-domiciled patent applicants and owners need a USPTO registered practitioner. What Swiss and EU filers must change first.
Tesla v InterDigital: UKSC on FRAND forum
The UK Supreme Court allowed Tesla's appeal and held Delaware is not an available forum. What that settles for pool licences — and what it does not.
Ukraine's draft roadmap to EPC accession
Ukraine's intellectual property office consulted on a draft 2026-2027 roadmap for acceding to the European Patent Convention. It names five steps and no date.