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The European Patent Office (EPO) experienced a surge in patent applications last year, reaching an all-time high of 199,275 filings, 2.9% more than a year ago. The top five countries of origin for patent applications were the United States, Germany, Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea, reflecting a robust global interest in innovation, particularly in digital communication, medical technology, and computer technology.
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The European Parliament has recently passed the groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence Act on March 13, 2024.
This Act is designed to safeguard fundamental rights, democracy, the rule of law, and environmental sustainability in the face of high-risk AI technology. At the same time, it aims to foster innovation and position Europe as a global leader in the field of artificial intelligence. The regulations set forth specific obligations for AI systems based on their potential risks and impact levels.
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The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) have rolled out a new system for filing patent applications using the DOCX format, marking a significant shift in its procedures. This move, which began on January 17, 2024, follows a Proposed Rule issued by the USPTO in July 2019, aiming to streamline the submission process and improve data quality.
The transition to DOCX aims to enhance data quality and reduce errors in applications and patents, ultimately saving time and resources. The USPTO encourages applicants to use DOCX via Patent Center, offering guidelines and surcharge details. As of January 17, 2024, non-DOCX filings incur surcharges ranging from $80 to $400 for different entity sizes.
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On March 7, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) overturned a Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) decision concerning a patent held by CoolIT Systems, Inc. The patent in question, U.S. Patent 9,057,567, pertains to fluid heat transfer systems used in cooling electronic devices. CoolIT contested the PTAB's interpretation of the term "matingly engaged" in the patent claims, arguing that it should be defined more narrowly as "mechanically joined or fitted together to interlock."
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The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has recently revised its Rules of Procedure for its Boards of Appeal (BoA RoP), which take effect on March 1, 2024.
The amendments primarily involve aligning terminology with current regulations and providing clearer delineation of responsibilities among various entities within the Boards of Appeal. Significant changes encompass the calculation and extension of time limits, suspension procedures, and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
