UK reinforces commitment to global IP collaboration in talks with Singapore
The IPO lead global dialogue on IP in August, during the 13th annual IP Week in Singapore event.
The IPO hosted a high-profile event at Eden Hall titled ‘From Intellectual Assets to Capital: The Branding and Innovation Edge’.
The discussion, featuring the IPO’s Interim Chief Analyst, Rich Corken, alongside industry leaders from Secretlab and Growthwell Foods, explored how businesses of all sizes can leverage IP and innovative strategies to thrive in competitive markets.
Throughout the week, the UK delegation engaged with IP offices from across Southeast Asia, exploring future collaboration opportunities and reinforcing support for UK business seeking growth in this dynamic region.
IPO’s Interim Chief Analyst Rich Corken with panel speaking at Eden Hall event
Through our International IP Service and our attaché network, the IPO supports businesses and their global ambitions across several key markets. Find out more about trading in SE Asia and other overseas markets via our International IP Service page below.
In September, the IPO hosted a meeting with representatives from the Japan Patent Office (JPO) at Concept House.
Led by the IPO’s Deputy Director of International Policy, Sarah Roberts-Favell and supported by the IPO’s East Asia Policy team, the discussions focused on exchanging best practices and experiences in improving IP systems and services, as well as enhancing IP awareness.
Key highlights included:
Transformation: The IPO’s Transformation Programme SRO, Natasha Chick, led discussions on improving customer experiences in filing applications, reaffirming our commitment to fostering innovation and creativity for economic growth
IP Commercialisation: The IPO’s Deputy Director of UK Ecosystems, Lorna Dukes, shared insights on policies aimed at increasing public awareness of IP protection and its benefit to business
Enforcement
IPO hosts brands and law enforcement to combat IP crime
This month, we welcomed the Anti-Counterfeiting Group, law enforcement, and major brands to Concept House to strengthen our collective efforts in tackling IP crime ahead of the busy Christmas season.
Brand representatives from Jaguar Land Rover, Canada Goose, Adidas, and Mulberry joined law enforcement partners from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit, Police Scotland, and Border Force.
IPO Enforcement colleagues opened the day alongside IPO CEO Adam Williams, marking our commitment to a partnership-based approach through our Counter-Infringement Strategy.
By fostering collaboration, we can pool resources, share insights, and develop more effective strategies than any single organisation acting alone. This meeting provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen our fight against IP crime and share how brands are building robust IP protection strategies with the IPO team.
IPO’s Enforcement team and the Anti-Counterfeiting Group at Concept House
Sky, Premier League, and FACT join forces against streaming piracy
The IPO is supporting the latest initiative by Sky, the Premier League, and FACT to educate consumers about the dangers of illegal streaming, as reported in The Sun.
During the recent Tottenham Hotspur vs. Arsenal match, fans searching for illegal streams were redirected to a live local stream hosted by comedian Alex Brooker.
The campaign, called BeStreamWise, aims to protect fans from the risks of clicking on unknown links by steering them away from harmful streaming sites and highlighting the threat of data theft by criminals.
Miles Rees, IPO Deputy Director of Enforcement, said:
“Piracy is far from a victimless crime. It is closely linked to various harmful online activities and helps sustain serious organized crime networks while diverting funds from the sports we all love.
“The IPO is proud to support this innovative campaign, which creatively reminds sports fans of the real risks to themselves and their families when attempting to access pirated content. We will continue collaborating with our partners to raise awareness of these dangers, disrupt criminal networks, and empower consumers to make informed decisions.”
Over 200 attend IP crime ‘knowledge share’ on seizing criminal funds
The IP Crime Group held its second ‘knowledge share’ session this month, bringing together over 200 members and law enforcement professionals nationwide. Led by an experienced barrister, the session focused on utilising proceeds of crime legislation to help locate and seize criminal funds.
Participants provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, appreciating the chance to learn from an expert and engage with complex topics.
We look forward to continuing these valuable sessions across the IP Crime Group.
Transformation
Last chance to test our new online patent search tool
Our new patent search tool launches soon. Before it goes live, we are offering you the exclusive opportunity to preview and provide valuable feedback on this system.
Key features of the new search tool include:
Expanded search capabilities with a wide array of options
Comprehensive supplementary protection certificate (SPC) data dating back to 2017
Convenient CSV download functionality for search results
Charts and graphs to help identify trends and patterns
Install the provided soft certificate on your device or network
Complete the enrolment process for your soft certificate on our website
For information or assistance, please get in touch via our guidance page.
In other news
Lawyers urged to notify IPO of court cases under Civil Procedure Rules
This month, the IPO released updated guidance reminding legal professionals of their obligation under the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) to inform the IPO about any new court cases in UK courts that involve registered IP rights.
According to our estimates, of the 200-250 relevant cases that arise each year, only about 20% are reported to us.
Legal professionals are required by the CPR to notify the IPO of these cases to ensure that updates to the IP register are accurately made, and so the IPO can participate in cases where necessary.
James Porter, IPO’s Chief Hearing Officer, said:
“Keeping the IPO informed about court cases involving registered IP rights is vital for ensuring the IP register remains accurate and up to date. Timely reporting is not just a procedural step; it helps prevent potential negative impacts on your case while ensuring that important legal issues are properly managed.”
