Webinar: Birth of GIs for craft and industrial products in the EU

Date: 25 November 2025; Time: 09:00 AM

Location: London / Online

Tune in this Tuesday to a webinar on the protection landscape shifts for geographical indications. Whilst EU law previously focused on agricultural products, Regulation (EU) 2023/2411 has appointed the EUIPO to administer a new scheme for craft and industrial items like glass and textiles. With the first applications accepted from 1 December, these registered unitary titles will enjoy unlimited protection. Speakers from the EUIPO Legal Affairs and Business Operations Departments will discuss this new system just days before it becomes fully applicable.

CITMA spring conference

Date: 18–19 March 2026

Location: London (Sea Containers / The Minster Building)

The CITMA conference returns as an unmissable event for trade mark attorneys. The schedule includes a party at Sea Containers on the 18th, followed by a full day at The Minster Building on the 19th covering Supreme Court analysis and AI insights.

12th IP & competition forum, winter edition

Date: 13–14 January 2026

Location: University of Oxford

This senior-level meeting returns to Oxford to examine developments at the interface of IP and competition law. Attendees can look forward to rigorous debate and a college dinner alongside leaders from companies such as Microsoft and Nokia. The keynote line-up features Lord Justice Arnold and Sir Richard Meade, with sessions covering interim licences, standard-essential patents, and innovation policy. IPKat readers can utilize a 15% discount for this event.

Seats are limited. To register or request the programme, email info@oxfirst.com. Visit oxviews.com for more information (CPD details available on request).

News

INTA files amicus brief relating to geographical indications

The International Trademark Association has filed an amicus brief regarding the Salva Cremasco case, which concerns the registrability of a collective mark containing a protected geographical name. The EUIPO initially rejected the application, reasoning that use by outsiders, producers not belonging to the association, would mislead the public. INTA argues that because legislation explicitly permits outsiders to use the GI honestly, this refusal ground is invalid. They contend the EUIPO must treat word and logo GIs equally.

World intellectual property indicators and global royalties

According to a series of publications promoted by WIPO, new data paints a robust picture of the IP economy. CISAC’s 2025 report shows global royalty collections rose 6.6% to €13.97 billion, with digital income surpassing €5 billion. Simultaneously, WIPO’s World Intellectual Property Indicators report reveals that patent activity grew 4.9% and design filings 2.2% in 2024, though trademark applications remained flat. The WIPO Pulse 2025 survey further indicates that global trust in IP systems has reached new heights.

100 years of WIPO’s international design system

On 6 November 2025 the WIPO celebrated the centenary of the Hague System, which was established to reduce complexity for designers seeking international protection. Over 2 million registrations have been lodged through this system, including over 27,000 in 2024 alone. Design investment in the US, UK, and 22 EU economies notably reached US$ 685 billion in 2024.

COP30: WIPO Green launches 4th green technology book

At the COP30 gathering, WIPO GREEN launched a new edition of its flagship book dedicated to climate disaster solutions. The publication highlights how innovation, ranging from AI forecasting to resilient infrastructure, enables societies to prepare for and recover from crises.

Competitions and call for papers

ECTA award competition

Deadline: 15 February 2026

ECTA invites professionals and students to submit an article on the development of EU IP Law. Winners receive €1,000 and complimentary membership, with honours presented at the Annual Conference in Dublin on 19 June 2026. Papers should be sent to the ECTA email address by mid-February.

Call for papers: UCL Institute of Brand and Innovation law PhD conference

Date: 24 June 2026

Deadline: 12 January 2026

Location: UCL Faculty of Laws, London

The UCL Institute of Brand and Innovation Law has issued a call for papers for its third PhD IP Conference. This forum allows students to present research and network, with applications due by 12 January 2026.

Online Consultation: Design-related procedures

Deadline: 26 November 2025

The European Commission invites views on a draft delegated regulation detailing specific EU design-related procedures managed by the EUIPO. This initiative aims to supplement Regulation (EC) No 6/2002 and align it with the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU. The feedback period closes at midnight Brussels time on 26 November 2025, after which comments will be published on the Commission's site.

Source: https://ipkitten.blogspot.com/2025/11/sunday-surprises_23.html