News

Art.28 Jurisdiction Regulation and Related Actions

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In Research in Motion v Visto [2007] EWHC 900, on appeal [2008] EWCA 153, the English courts was asked to interpret the meaning of "related actions" in Art.28 Jurisdiction Regulation (generally, see para 14-049 et seq. in book). The action concerned the "Blackberry Wars". The facts were a little complicated but merit understanding. RIM issued proceedings in England for a declaration of non-infringement of Visto's EP(UK) patent in relation to its Blackberry products .

Proposal to increase duration of copyright for sound recordings to 95 years

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The Commission has proposed that copyright for sound recordings be increased from 50 years to 95 years. It is likely that this will come into force before the end of 2008. See the official press release.

London Agreement comes into force on 1st May 2008

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Following the ratification of the London Agreement by France, the London Agreement will now come into force on 1st May 2008. The EPO has now prepared draft regulations to put the London Agreement into force. Croatia, Denmark, Latvia, the Netherlands, France, Liechtenstein, Slovenia, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Iceland, Monaco and the United Kingdom gave ratified the London Agreement. Sweden, although not a signatory, has implemented its provisions into its national law. For more information, see Patents Chapters update.