Lawyers at Zacco join Managing IP to discuss the shifting world of online IP enforcement.

In this episode, sponsored by Zacco, we delve into Online IP Protection and how the concept of protecting brands online is evolving.

Many of you will have heard of Online Brand Protection, a service typically involving the removal of illegal infringements or misleading content in order to protect a company’s brand or reputation.

While traditional OBP makes use of trademarks as an enforcement tool, this podcast explores the next natural steps - the concept of Online IP Protection, or OIPP.

Our guests introduce the concept of OIPP and outline how it makes use of an organisation’s entire IP portfolio, rather than just trademarks, to strengthen and enforce their innovation and their reputation online.

We explore some potential use cases, the tools available, and discuss what organisations should consider if they want to make better use of IP rights. 

Finally, our guests present a few practical examples of OIPP and how you can adopt a broader approach to online enforcement.

In the final episode of a podcast series celebrating the tenth anniversary of IP Inclusive, we discuss the IP Inclusive Charter and senior leaders’ pledge.

Managing IP is proud to publish the final episode in a series of 10 podcasts celebrating the tenth anniversary of UK-based diversity network IP Inclusive.

In our final episode, we discuss how to formalise support for IP Inclusive and why the IP Inclusive Charter and the senior leaders’ pledge are a good place to start. 

For this episode, we are joined by Andrea Brewster, lead executive officer at IP Inclusive and Gwilym Roberts, a partner at Kilburn & Strode and a dedicated supporter of IP Inclusive.

In this episode, we delve into what the IP Inclusive Charter and senior leaders’ pledge are, what they require from businesses and how organisations can flourish from committing to them.

IP Inclusive was set up in 2015 to promote and improve DEI and wellbeing throughout the UK’s IP profession.

It aims to ensure that the UK’s IP profession is open and welcoming to all those with the necessary aptitude, regardless of their age, gender, race, sexuality, religion, physical and cognitive ability, wealth, and background.

Previous episodes in the series have focused on ‘IP Out’, a network for LGBTQAI+ people and their allies working in the IP professions, ‘IP Ability’, a community for disabled people, carers and their allies working within the IP professions, and ‘IP & ME’, which supports ethnic minority IP professionals.

The entire podcast series is also available on the IP Inclusive YouTube channel.

In the ninth episode of a podcast series celebrating the tenth anniversary of IP Inclusive, we discuss IP & ME, a community focused on ethnic minority IP professionals. 

Managing IP is proud to publish the latest episode in a series of podcasts celebrating the tenth anniversary of UK-based diversity network IP Inclusive.

In this episode, the ninth of 10, we discuss IP Inclusive’s ‘IP & ME’ network, which celebrates ethnic diversity and inclusion in the IP professions. 

We discuss the challenges and opportunities for minority ethnic professionals in IP.

For this episode, we are joined by Lianne Da-Cunha, co-lead of IP & ME and an associate at Forresters. 

IP Inclusive was set up in 2015 to promote and improve DEI and wellbeing throughout the UK’s IP profession.

It aims to ensure that the UK’s IP profession is open and welcoming to all those with the necessary aptitude, regardless of their age, gender, race, sexuality, religion, physical and cognitive ability, wealth, and background.

Previous episodes in the series have focused on the ‘Careers in Ideas’ network, ‘IP Out’, a network for LGBTQAI+ people and their allies working in the IP professions, and ‘IP Ability’, a community for disabled people, carers and their allies working within the IP professions.

The entire podcast series is also available on the IP Inclusive YouTube channel.

In this Managing IP podcast, Adams & Adams partners Mohamed Jameel Hamid and Alicia van der Walt demystify African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement and provide a roadmap for protecting trademarks on the continent.

The agreement creates the largest free trade area in the world, covering 1.3 billion people and with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion. For intellectual property (IP) owners, Jameel notes, increased intra-African trade means greater exposure – making robust, forward-looking trademark strategies more critical than ever.

The Intellectual Property Rights Protocol of the AfCFTA is also highlighted. Adopted in 2023, the protocol’s goal is to harmonise IP frameworks across the continent. Jameel stresses that businesses should prepare for greater alignment and enhanced border measures in the years ahead.

Turning to trademark protection in practice, Alicia presents a concise guide to the African filing landscape. She explains the strengths and limitations of Africa’s two regional IP systems – the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) and the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) – as well as the variable reliability of the Madrid System. The advice is clear: national filings remain the “golden standard”, particularly in first-to-file jurisdictions and markets where enforcement challenges persist.

As Africa’s trading environment evolves, both speakers say that brand owners who plan early and file smartly will be best placed to unlock the continent’s increasing opportunities while mitigating risk.

For the full discussion, listen to the podcast now.

In the eighth episode of a podcast series celebrating the tenth anniversary of IP Inclusive, we discuss IP Ability, a network for disabled people and carers active in the IP profession. 

Managing IP is proud to publish the latest episode in a series of podcasts celebrating the tenth anniversary of UK-based diversity network IP Inclusive.

In this episode, the eighth of 10, we discuss IP Inclusive’s ‘IP Ability’ network. IP Ability is the community for disabled people, carers and their allies working within the IP professions. 

We are joined by Marianne Privett, co-chair of IP Ability and a partner at Venner Shipley and Victoria Barker, a member of the IP Ability committee and an associate at Finnegan. Also joining the episode is Tom Leonard, partner at Kilburn & Strode.

We explore the challenges faced by IP professionals impacted by disabilities and neurodiversity, and the opportunities for the sector from those in this group.

IP Inclusive was set up in 2015 to promote and improve DEI and wellbeing throughout the UK’s IP profession.

It aims to ensure that the UK’s IP profession is open and welcoming to all those with the necessary aptitude, regardless of their age, gender, race, sexuality, religion, physical and cognitive ability, wealth, and background.

Previous episodes in the series have focused on unconscious bias, the ‘Careers in Ideas’ network and IP Out, a network for LGBTQAI+ people and their allies working in the IP professions.

The entire podcast series is also available on the IP Inclusive YouTube channel. 

In the seventh episode of a podcast series celebrating the tenth anniversary of IP Inclusive, we discuss IP Out, a network for LGBTQAI+ professionals and their allies. 

Managing IP is proud to publish the latest episode in a series of podcasts celebrating the tenth anniversary of UK-based diversity network IP Inclusive.

In this episode, the seventh of 10, we discuss IP Inclusive’s ‘IP Out’ network. IP Out is the community for LGBTQAI+ people and their allies working in the IP professions by providing support and networking opportunities.

We are joined by Tom Leonard, partner at Kilburn & Strode and a co-founder of IP Out. Also joining us for the podcast are Victoria Barker, an associate at Finnegan and Marianne Privett, a partner at Venner Shipley. 

We discuss the experiences of LGBTQAI+ professionals in the IP sector, challenges and progress and what more is needed.

The podcast is hosted by Managing IP editor Max Walters, alongside Jodie Bates, a member of the IP Inclusive advisory board and an IT trainer at patent and trademark attorney firm Boult Wade Tennant.

IP Inclusive was set up in 2015 to promote and improve DEI and wellbeing throughout the UK’s IP profession.

It aims to ensure that the UK’s IP profession is open and welcoming to all those with the necessary aptitude, regardless of their age, gender, race, sexuality, religion, physical and cognitive ability, wealth, and background.

Previous episodes in the series have focused on Women in IP, unconscious bias, the ‘Careers in Ideas’ network and IP Futures, which seeks to support early-stage to mid-level professionals.  

The entire podcast series is also available on the IP Inclusive YouTube channel. 

In the sixth episode of a podcast series celebrating the tenth anniversary of IP Inclusive, we discuss IP Futures, a network for early-career stage IP professionals.

Managing IP is proud to publish the latest episode in a series of podcasts celebrating the tenth anniversary of UK-based diversity network IP Inclusive.

In this episode, the sixth of 10, we discuss IP Inclusive’s ‘IP Futures’ network, which supports those building their career in IP, from early-stage to mid-level. The network typically works with professionals within the first 10 years of entering the profession.

We are joined by Chelsea Chung, a trainee trademark attorney at Finnegan, and Chris Burnett, a partner at Knights and an ally for trainees.

We discuss tips and guidance for young professionals starting in the IP sector, including how they and colleagues can help develop an inclusive community through mentorship opportunities and career growth.

We also delve into some of the early-career challenges.

The podcast series is hosted by Managing IP editor Max Walters, alongside Jodie Bates, a member of the IP Inclusive advisory board and an IT trainer at patent and trademark attorney firm Boult Wade Tennant.

The entire podcast series is also available on the IP Inclusive YouTube channel.

IP Inclusive was set up in 2015 to promote and improve DEI and wellbeing throughout the UK’s IP profession.

It aims to ensure that the UK’s IP profession is open and welcoming to all those with the necessary aptitude, regardless of their age, gender, race, sexuality, religion, physical and cognitive ability, wealth, and background.

Previous episodes in the series have focused on Women in IP, unconscious bias and the ‘Careers in Ideas’ network.

Chris Adamson and Milli Bouri of Adamson & Partners join us to discuss IP market trends and what law firm and in-house clients are looking for.

In this episode, we meet two of the head honchos at Adamson & Partners, an executive search and advisory firm specialising in legal and intellectual property.

Editor Max Walters is joined by Chris Adamson, a senior partner at the business, and Milli Bouri, a partner, both based in London.

We discuss growing trends in the IP market, including the need for law firms to have true IP experts on hand, particularly to help wider legal teams advising on M&As and investments.

We also delve into how law firms are setting up their businesses, including combining prosecution and litigation expertise, and how recruitment strategies have responded to market developments such as the birth of the Unified Patent Court. 

Lastly, Chris and Milli give a flavour of what makes a standout candidate and how they place them with the right client. 

In the fifth episode of a podcast series celebrating the tenth anniversary of IP Inclusive, we discuss the ‘Careers in Ideas’ network and how to open access to the profession. 

Managing IP is proud to publish the latest episode in a series of podcasts celebrating the tenth anniversary of UK-based diversity network IP Inclusive.

In this episode, the fifth of 10, we discuss IP Inclusive’s ‘Careers in Ideas’ network, which seeks to raise awareness of IP-related careers and open the profession to a more diverse range of talent. 

Careers in Ideas works to both raise awareness of the range of IP-related careers while also widening access to the profession by attracting recruits from a greater range of backgrounds. 

Combined, those two initiatives aim to help develop a more diverse profession. 

For this episode, we are joined by Tom Hailes, IP counsel at DSM Firmenich in Geneva, and a member of the Careers in Ideas team, and Chris Burnett, partner at Knights and team member at Careers in Ideas.

The podcast series is hosted by Managing IP editor Max Walters, alongside Jodie Bates, a member of the IP Inclusive advisory board and an IT trainer at patent and trademark attorney firm Boult Wade Tennant.

The podcast is also available on the IP Inclusive YouTube channel.

IP Inclusive was set up in 2015 to promote and improve DEI and wellbeing throughout the UK’s IP profession.

It aims to ensure that the UK’s IP profession is open and welcoming to all those with the necessary aptitude, regardless of their age, gender, race, sexuality, religion, physical and cognitive ability, wealth, and background.

Previous episodes in the series have focused on the origins of IP Inclusive, how workplaces can offer support to those experiencing (peri)menopause, IP Inclusive’s Women in IP network and unconscious bias. 

In the fourth episode of a podcast series celebrating the tenth anniversary of IP Inclusive, we discuss unconscious bias in the IP workplace and how to address it.

Managing IP is proud to publish the latest episode in a series of podcasts celebrating the tenth anniversary of UK-based diversity network IP Inclusive.

In this episode, the fourth of 10, we discuss unconscious bias in the IP workplace and explore actionable strategies to address it.

The podcast series is hosted by Managing IP editor Max Walters, alongside Jodie Bates, a member of the IP Inclusive advisory board and an IT trainer at patent and trademark attorney firm Boult Wade Tennant.

For this episode, we are joined by Suzanne Oliver, a dual-qualified UK and European patent attorney and director of IP strategy at Scintilla. Suzanne has championed women in STEM, inclusion and diversity throughout her career.

Also joining us, and for the second time in this series, is Vandita Chandrani, IP general counsel at Elekta. Vandita is passionate about diversity and inclusion and is the D&I lead for the global legal team at Elekta.

The podcast is also available on the IP Inclusive YouTube channel.

IP Inclusive was set up in 2015 to promote and improve DEI and wellbeing throughout the UK’s IP profession.

It aims to ensure that the UK’s IP profession is open and welcoming to all those with the necessary aptitude, regardless of their age, gender, race, sexuality, religion, physical and cognitive ability, wealth, and background.

Previous episodes in the series have focused on the origins of IP Inclusive, how workplaces can offer support to those experiencing (peri)menopause and IP Inclusive’s Women in IP network.

In the third episode of a podcast series celebrating the tenth anniversary of IP Inclusive, we discuss the ‘Women in IP’ network and the current state of diversity within the profession. 

Managing IP is proud to publish the latest episode in a series of podcasts celebrating the tenth anniversary of UK-based diversity network IP Inclusive.

The series is hosted by Managing IP editor Max Walters, alongside Jodie Bates, a member of the IP Inclusive advisory board and an IT trainer at patent and trademark attorney firm Boult Wade Tennant.

In this episode, the third of 10, we delve into the Women in IP network, assess the current state of diversity and inclusion in IP, and ask how allyship can work within the sector.

We hear from Mewburn Ellis partner Fran Salisbury, a founding member and leader of WoMEn (the Women of Mewburn Ellis Network) and a supporter of IP Inclusive. 

We are also joined by Vandita Chandrani, IP general counsel at Elekta. Vandita is deeply passionate about diversity and inclusion and is the D&I lead for the global legal team at Elekta.

The podcast is also available on the IP Inclusive YouTube channel.

IP Inclusive was set up in 2015 to promote and improve DEI and wellbeing throughout the UK’s IP profession.

It aims to ensure that the UK’s IP profession is open and welcoming to all those with the necessary aptitude, regardless of their age, gender, race, sexuality, religion, physical and cognitive ability, wealth, and background.

Previous episodes in the series have focused on the origins of IP Inclusive and its mission, as well as an episode discussing how workplaces can offer support to those experiencing (peri)menopause. 

Patent searches can be painstakingly detailed, but even the most experienced professionals can miss crucial prior art if they rely on a narrow set of tools. In this Managing IP podcast, produced in collaboration with CAS, Lucy Teixeira Antunes and Matt Garver lift the lid on some of the hidden sources of prior art that have surprised even seasoned intellectual property (IP) specialists – and explain why a multidimensional approach to searching is essential.

With a combined four decades of experience across chemical, biotech, and materials technologies, Lucy and Matt discuss the value of using multiple databases, the consequences of late-stage findings, and how automated and AI-assisted tools are changing the IP search landscape. They share stories from their own careers to highlight the risks of overlooking certain data sources.

Listeners will also hear how collaboration between R&D scientists and IP teams can shape a more complete understanding of the technology and competitive space, ensuring that searches not only reveal what is relevant today but also help anticipate what could matter tomorrow.

Tune in to discover how the right combination of human expertise, smart tools, and cross-disciplinary collaboration can transform your patent search strategy – before the hidden art finds you first.

In the second in a new podcast series celebrating the tenth anniversary of IP Inclusive, we discuss IPause, a network set up to support those experiencing (peri)menopause. 

Managing IP is proud to publish the second episode in a series of podcasts celebrating the tenth anniversary of UK-based diversity network IP Inclusive. 

The series is hosted by Managing IP editor Max Walters, alongside Jodie Bates, a member of the IP Inclusive advisory board and an IT trainer at patent and trademark attorney firm Boult Wade Tennant.

In this episode, the second of 10, we discuss one of IP Inclusive’s newest committees – IPause. 

The IPause community supports IP professionals who are going through, have gone through or expect to go through (peri)menopause, as well as people who want to support them. 

This episode delves into what (peri)menopause is, its impact on health and wellbeing, and how businesses can support those going through (peri)menopause.  

We hear from IP pause lead Jane Wainwright, a former patent attorney and now leadership coach. Andrea Brewster and Anne Burgato from the IP Inclusive executive team also join the podcast.

The podcast is also available on the IP Inclusive YouTube channel.

IP Inclusive was set up in 2015 to promote and improve DEI and wellbeing throughout the UK’s IP profession.

It aims to ensure that the UK’s IP profession is open and welcoming to all those with the necessary aptitude, regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, religion, physical and cognitive ability, wealth, and background.

In episode one, we delved into the mission of IP Inclusive, from its origins to where it finds itself today. You can listen to that episode here, or on the IP Inclusive YouTube channel.

In the first in a new podcast series celebrating the tenth anniversary of IP Inclusive, we look back at the network’s origins and discuss its mission.

Managing IP is proud to publish the first in a series of 10 podcasts celebrating the tenth anniversary of UK-based diversity network IP Inclusive. 

The series will be hosted by Managing IP editor Max Walters, alongside Jodie Bates, a member of the IP Inclusive advisory board and an IT trainer at patent and trademark attorney firm Boult Wade Tennant.

In episode one, we delve into the mission of IP Inclusive, from its origins to where it finds itself today.

We hear from Andrea Brewster and Anne Burgato from the IP Inclusive executive team, and Jane Wainwright, a former patent attorney, now leadership coach, and long-time supporter of IP Inclusive.

IP Inclusive was set up in 2015 to promote and improve DEI and wellbeing throughout the UK’s IP profession.

It aims to ensure that the UK’s IP profession is open and welcoming to all those with the necessary aptitude, regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, religion, physical and cognitive ability, wealth, and background.

The podcasts are also available on the IP Inclusive YouTube channel.

In the latest Managing IP podcast, Paul Peters and Rob Austin of CAS reveal how prior art can emerge from unexpected sources – and why these discoveries can make or break patent strategies.

The discussion explores the different stages where prior art plays a crucial role, from early ideation to post-grant opposition. Peters and Austin emphasise the importance of close collaboration between attorneys and intellectual property (IP) searchers to clarify exactly what evidence is needed to support or challenge a claim. Sometimes, that evidence comes from the most unusual places.

One oft-cited example is a 1949 Donald Duck comic showing how to raise a sunken ship with ping pong balls, which later scuttled a patent application. Another case involved a Dennis the Menace strip that depicted a dog opening a door, echoing a claimed invention. Even Steve Jobs’ 2007 keynote describing the iPhone’s bounce-back effect was used against Apple in a patent dispute.

Film has also provided ammunition: Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey was cited in litigation over rounded-corner displays. More recently, YouTube videos have become a powerful source of non-patent literature, with examiners even timestamping moments to prove prior disclosure.

Chemical patents bring their own challenges. Austin recounts cases where safety data sheets or catalogue listings were decisive in invalidating claims by proving an ingredient’s properties or prior availability.

These stories underscore a central message: prior art can hide in plain sight, and skilled IP professionals are essential in uncovering it before it is too late.

Lauren Ross and Melissa Morris of Adams & Adams discuss the strategic opportunities and challenges in protecting non-traditional trademarks across the continent’s diverse legal and regulatory landscape.

It is becoming increasingly important to think beyond logos and brand names when considering the strategic potential of trademarks. A podcast sponsored by Adams & Adams explains why marks such as colours, shapes, and sounds can be powerful assets and explores how their protection and enforcement is handled in Africa. 

Adams & Adams partner Lauren Ross and senior associate Melissa Morris share their insights into the continent’s legal landscape with Phil Myers, the commercial editor of Managing IP. The podcast addresses the following key points, among others:

• Why non-traditional marks are of growing significance in terms of brand distinction globally;
• How key African countries and multinational organisations handle the issue; 
• The main challenges in the enforcement of such marks; and
• Best practices for law firms and clients in managing non-traditional marks.

Listen in as Lauren and Melissa explain the vital role of law firms as brands consider how to differentiate themselves in digital spaces – and how African frameworks are evolving to adapt to the new landscape.

We preview Managing IP’s ‘IP Ones to Watch’ list, meet our newest recruit, and look back over the final law firm rankings release of the year.

In this episode, the team previews our ‘IP Ones to Watch’ list, which showcases emerging talent in the in-house intellectual property world. The list will be published next month.

Editor Max Walters is joined by Sukanya Sarkar, our special projects editor, and Sanjana Mishra, our senior reporter for the Americas and Managing IP’s newest recruit.

We give a flavour of how ‘Ones to Watch’ is managed and why it is such a popular product. 

Elsewhere, we look back at the highlights from the IP STARS rankings for copyright and IP transactions work, the final firm rankings release of the year.

We also discuss the submissions process for next year's Awards and rankings. 

Managing IP will be hosting two live webinars about the submissions process in September. More information about the webinars can be found here.

Lastly, we discover how Sanjana Mishra has been navigating her first few weeks covering IP. 

We will be back with a new podcast episode soon. Thank you for listening. 

Heli Pihlajamaa, the EPO’s principal director for patent law and procedures, joins us to take stock of the unitary patent following its second anniversary.

In this episode, we bring you a unitary patent special.

The unitary patent and the associated Unified Patent Court (UPC) went live on June 1 2023. 

To mark the second anniversary, we caught up with Heli Pihlajamaa, the EPO’s principal director for patent law and procedures, to assess some of the trends so far.

Pihlajamaa is responsible for all patent law and procedural matters under the European Patent Convention and Patent Cooperation Treaty, including operational developments and policy. 

She also deals with all unitary patent-related tasks assigned to the EPO.

Managing IP editor Max Walters sat down with Pihlajamaa to discuss:

• The first two years of the unitary patent system, including the number of filings and key trends;
• Feedback from users regarding the benefits or challenges of the unitary patent system;

·       Information on how the EPO supports users in navigating the system, especially those unfamiliar with it; 

• What users can expect from the new case management system being jointly developed by the EPO and UPC; and
• What’s in the pipeline for the court

We will be back with a new podcast episode soon. Thank you for listening.

IP leaders at Brandsmiths and Bird & Bird, who were on opposing sides at the UK Supreme Court in Iconix v Dream Pairs, unpick the landmark case and its ramifications.

In this special episode of the IP Lounge, Ewan Grist, partner at Bird & Bird, and Andy Lee, head of IP at Brandsmiths, join Managing IP editor Max Walters to discuss the Iconix v Dream Pairs trademark case.

Brandsmiths acted for Iconix, while Bird & Bird represented Dream Pairs in this closely followed case. The case had made its way through the courts, finally culminating in the UK Supreme Court’s ruling on June 24. 

Ultimately, Bird & Bird secured victory for its client. However, the Supreme Court’s decision also accepted some of the arguments put forward by Iconix, which could have a significant impact on future trademark law. 

More details of the case can be found here. 

In the podcast we unite the two litigating parties to dig into the ramifications of the case. 

On the agenda: 

• What must be considered when assessing “real and representative” circumstances regarding the similarity of trademarks;
• Post-sale confusion and how it can be a basis for trademark infringement even if there’s no confusion at the point of sale;
• The possible effects of the ruling on trademark applications and oppositions; and
• Whether the England and Wales Court of Appeal overreached by interfering with the trial judgment, and what the role of an appeal court should be.

We will be back with another episode later this month. Thank you for listening. 

We review the latest batch of IP STARS rankings, analyse a major law firm collaboration following the opening of India’s legal market, and look at why Canadian brands are promoting ‘Canadianness’. 

In this episode, the team delves into some of the biggest talking points from the last few weeks.

Editor Max Walters is joined by Rani Mehta, senior reporter for the Americas, and Sukanya Sarkar, our special projects editor in Asia.

We look back at some of our recent coverage, including the publication of new trademark rankings and the annual ‘Top 250 Women in IP’.

We also look back at some of the biggest talking points from the last month, including how CMS and India’s IndusLaw are benefitting from their integration, a battle over lookalikes in the US, and why Canadian brands are using IP to promote national identity.

We will be back with a new episode in July. Thank you for listening.

Etienne Sanz de Acedo discusses the association’s three-year plan, what he is looking forward to in San Diego, and why London came calling for 2026. 

In this episode, Managing IP editor Max Walters is joined by Etienne Sanz de Acedo, CEO of INTA.

The INTA chief discusses the association’s newly released strategic plan, unveiled during today’s ceremony at the Annual Meeting in San Diego. 

We discuss how organisations like INTA should represent trademark professionals as well as other IP practitioners, whether there is still work needed to build a positive perception of IP, and how to attract the next generation of professionals. 

In light of recent attacks on diversity and inclusion, we also tackle the importance of promoting inclusive workplaces, particularly in the legal profession. 

Lastly, we preview this year’s annual meeting and look ahead to London 2026 – in what will be the association’s first visit to the UK capital. 

Design rights are a powerful – but often overlooked – component of a well-rounded intellectual property portfolio. In an exclusive Managing IP podcast, Tomas Wässingbo, group designs director at the international full-service intellectual property firm Zacco, and Christina Wainikka, intellectual property policy expert at the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, explain why companies should be paying closer attention to this form of protection. The need is heightened in light of the new EU Design Regulation and Directive, with several provisions having entered into force on May 1 2025.

The key themes discussed

The podcast explores the following areas, among others:

• The main differences between design, patent, and trademark rights;
• Debunking the myth that design rights are only applicable to certain industries;
• The primary attributes of design rights, including strong protection, swift registration, and clear ownership;
• Wide-ranging case law, from Vespa mopeds to rye bread; and
• How to use design rights to help to future-proof your intellectual property portfolio.

Design rights: emerging from the shadows?

Despite their strength and versatility, design rights remain underused. As Wässingbo notes, “Maybe one can say that design is often in the shadow of patents, utility patents, and trademarks.” 

Indeed, according to a January 2025 EUIPO report cited in the podcast, only 1% of SMEs and 10% of large companies in the EU own design rights, even though design right owners have 29.3% higher revenue per employee. A lack of awareness, fragmented responsibility across departments, and misconceptions about design protection have contributed to their underutilisation. “There is a lack of understanding of the benefits of design protection and also sometimes there is an obstacle in how [to] organise IP issues in different companies,” Wainikka says.

But change is afoot. The new EU legislative initiatives introduce several features that could heighten awareness. “[One] thing that is happening in Europe with the new design regime is that we will get this registered design symbol D with the ring around it, like the order for registered trademarks,” Wässingbo says. “That is something that everyone will see and hopefully that will lead to more understanding [that] there is a possibility to protect something with design rights like there is the possibility to protect the trademark.”

The outlook for design rights

Design rights appear poised to assume a bigger role, especially when considering factors such as gaming and mobile apps falling within their scope. Businesses with intellectual property portfolios should stay alert to the opportunities presented. As Wässingbo puts it: “We should all design the future.”

Hugues Derème, director general of the Benelux IP Office, unveils his vision for the region, how to improve IP awareness, and use of AI. 

In this episode, we are joined by Hugues Derème, director general of the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property.

Editor Max Walters catches up with Derème to discuss the office’s new strategic plan and his goals to raise IP awareness.  

In March, the office, which handles trademarks and designs in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, unveiled its new five-year plan for improving IP services.

Derème discusses the office’s goals, including high-quality IP services, digital transformation, and how to create greater understanding of IP in early-stage business planning.

He also discusses how he came to take on the DG role, which he assumed in July last year, and the transition from private practice to IP office work.

We will be back with a new episode in May. Thank you for listening.

We look ahead to next month’s EMEA Awards, discussing the recently published shortlists, our research methodology and what makes the Awards special. 

In this episode, we look ahead to Awards season at Managing IP.

Editor Max Walters is joined by research editor Kingsley Egbuonu to discuss next month’s EMEA Awards in London.

Kingsley and Max look back on the research methodology for the Awards, reflect on how the Awards have progressed over the last 20 years, and bring you some important details regarding the nomination and selection process. 

This year’s EMEA Awards, which will recognise talented practitioners and deserving law firms across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, will take place on April 10.

The event will be held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.

We will be back with a new episode of the IP Lounge in April. Thank you for listening.

We discuss how law firms are using AI, whether remote working has resulted in cost-savings, and what corporate counsel want from their advisers when it comes to DEI. 

In this episode, the team delves into some of the biggest talking points from the last few weeks.

Editor Max Walters is joined by Rani Mehta, senior reporter for the Americas, and Sukanya Sarkar, our special projects editor in Asia.

We look back at some of our recent coverage. 

On the agenda in today’s episode includes a look at whether law firms are noticing savings from switching to remote working, a look ahead to the latest artificial intelligence and tech trends, including how law firms are using AI, and a review of our newest What Corporates Want report, which this time focussed on what in-house counsel expect from law firms regarding DEI.

We will be back with a new episode in March. Thank you for listening.