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Innovate IP is now on Google +

10/02/2012

Well in our efforts to stay ahead of the game, Innovate IP now has a Google + page.  Come over and say hello https://plus.google.com/100026932690884537755

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Beyoncé trade marks Blue Ivy's name

10/02/2012

In an attempt to secure any merchandising rights for their daughter's future Beyoncé and Jay-Z have applied to register Blue Ivy's name as a trade mark.

The name has been protected for a huge list of goods and services and in my opinion it will remain to be seen as to whether they can actually prove use of the mark on all of those goods and services, as is required by US law to maintain the registration.

The original story can be seen here http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2099016/Beyonc-Jay-Z-trademark-Blue-Ivys-name.html

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Learn to Register your own Trade Marks

16/01/2012

For more details on the course and for details of how to book please see www.tmreg.eventbrite.com 

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Will 3D printers increase copying?

16/01/2012

Now that 3D extrusion printers (that can print items up to the size of a loaf of bread) are becoming commercially available will they cause a problem for IP owners?

The problem will really become an enforcement issue.  The BBC (see link below) have outlined how such a printer can be purchased for as little as £1200 and that this can be used to "print" plastic items much cheaper than you can purchase the original in the shops.

Technically printing someone else's item will indeed be an infringement of copyright, design right and in some cases trade mark rights but how will IP owners enforce those rights, how will they know it is being carried out?

Only time will really tell, it is unlikely that many people will purchase such a printer straight away or go to the effort of printing simple items but the problem could grow as these become cheaper and easier to get hold of.

BBC link:- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16503443

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