After years of watching patent attorneys argue over whether you need to check the description when a claim seems "clear enough," the EPO's Enlarged Board of Appeal has put an end to the debate. Their June 18, 2025 decision in Case G 0001/24 is refreshingly straightforward: always look at the description and drawings when interpreting claims for patentability.
Patent conflicts of interest aren't just abstract compliance issues—they're real problems that can kill deals, end careers, and cost companies millions.
The intellectual property landscape is definitely experiencing a startup revolution. With global patent filings hitting record highs in 2023, driven by breakthroughs in AI, green tech, and healthcare, startups are no longer just playing defense—they're setting the rules of the game.
Protecting your innovation is essential, but traditional patents aren't always the right answer. Their strict requirements and high costs can be prohibitive, especially for early-stage innovations, startups or those with brief market lifespans. Here are two alternative protection methods worth considering.
Conducting a trademark search (also known as a clearance search) before filing an application is a critical step to increase the chances of successful registration and avoid legal disputes.
Here’s why it’s important: