Services

IPEUS can

- Provide strategic advice regarding existing or proposed IP portfolios in Europe,

- Make recommendations regarding European filing and prosecution strategies,

- Advise in relation to European Patent opposition strategy

- Carry out recommendations on behalf of the client in Europe,

- Undertake due diligence of existing IP rights in Europe,

- Provide infringement opinions in Europe and

- Work with existing overseas and European Counsel to supplement advice and reports.

Services to overseas clients

IPEUS can deal directly with companies, law firms and research institutes to provide advice and services in relation to intellectual property in Europe.

There are some fundamental differences between the intellectual property systems in Europe, US and the rest of the world.  Whilst there are calls from industry to bring the various systems into alignment it is likely that this will take some time and, even if procedures are in aligned, that fundamental substantive differences will still exist with regard to patentable subject matter, the specifications of goods and services for trade mark registrations and the extent of protection afforded by the intellectual property rights in various countries.

IPEUS will work with overseas companies, research institutes and law firms to ensure that applicants seeking IP protection in Europe are informed and able to make commercially important decisions regarding the European market and its opportunities.

IPEUS can also advise, at various stages during prosecution of an application, how a client can minimise expenditure and at the same time obtain effective commercial protection in Europe.

IPEUS has a large wide ranging network of contacts and associates around the world and can introduce and recommend associates to clients or work with these associates on behalf of clients as necessary.

Services to clients based in Europe

IPEUS advises European companies, research institutes and individuals about intellectual property protection in Europe and can assist them in getting protection and exploring commercialisation opportunities in overseas markets.

As discussed above, with reference to overseas clients, there are some significant differences in patent procedures and patentable subject matter between the  Europe, US and the rest of the World.

IPEUS will help European clients to prepare for both European and overseas patent prosecution by ensuring that early applications are drafted to take these differences into account.  This can strengthen the patent position internationaly and/or save significant time and money during prosecution.

General

IPEUS has a large wide ranging network of contacts and associates around the world and can introduce and recommend clients to associates or work with these associates on behalf of clients as necessary.

Intellectual Property in Europe

European Patents

The Convention on the Grant of European Patents (EPC) signed in Munich 1973 and entered into force on 7 October 1977 established a uniform patent system in Europe whereby a centralised patent grant system administered by the European Patent Office (EPO) on behalf of all contracting states grants European patents for the contracting states to the EPC. When granted, the European Patent becomes a bundle of national patents which are separately validated and enforced in each of the contracting states.  After grant but within a specific time period, a European Patent can be centrally opposed at the EPO.

The following are contracting states

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, United Kingdom, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Monaco, Netherlands, Norwey Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia, Turkey.

The following extension states can recognise European Patents (January 2008):

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro

Community Trademark registration and Community Design registration

Community Trademarks and Designs are registered in respect of all the countries of the European Union. These are listed below as of October 2006:

Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, United Kingdom.