Blog & News

Help, I’ve Just Received A Cease And Desist Letter!

As intellectual property experts, we spend much of our time sending or responding to cease and desist letters. These letters are the first step in intellectual property (IP) claims and…

How to protect a TV format

Game show formats and reality TV shows like Love Island and Big Brother have been extremely popular not only in the UK, but also internationally. Format rights are therefore important…

Help! I’ve received a Notice of Threatened Opposition, what do I do now?

Well, let’s start by explaining what a Notice of Threatened Opposition actually is… essentially it’s a form (called a TM7A if you’re interested) that potential opponents of a trade mark…

5 Reasons To Work With A Specialist IP Litigation Firm

Intellectual property is often the core value of a business. Therefore, it is no wonder that businesses invest in, and take so seriously, the protection and enforcement of their intellectual…

What Is IP Litigation?

In the world of intellectual property (IP), litigation is where one party has a claim against another party for doing something that infringes an IP right. For example, the owner…

What Is IP Licensing?

In the ever-evolving landscape of intellectual property (IP) rights, businesses and individuals often find themselves navigating complex legal terrain. IP licensing is a crucial aspect of this landscape, enabling the…

Artificial Intelligence & Copyright – where are we going?

The concept of copyright as a moral right has existed for centuries, (the story of Antonio Tempesta’s famous 1593 ‘Map of Rome’ is worth a read) but is now being…

Remedies for copyright infringement – what’s in it for me?

Let’s face it, nobody likes their work being copied, but making a claim for copyright infringement can sometimes be daunting. Therefore, before you embark on this it’s worth first thinking…

Why do I need a Non-Disclosure Agreement for my business?

What is a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)? A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is a contract that legally binds two parties to not share confidential information with third parties. In simpler terms, an…

Launching Your Record Label – Your Legal Checklist

Starting a record label is a great way to promote your sound, attract like-minded artists and build an eco-system around the music you love – but first and foremost, they…

What to include in my freelancer agreement?

We’ve heard a lot about artificial intelligence and machine learning this year, but there are still some tasks best undertaken by homo sapiens – particularly art, craft, design and other…

Can you trade mark a heart?

The Board of Appeal of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (the Board) has refused to recognise as valid a trade mark for the 3D shape of a bread roll…

Welsh Single Malt Whiskey Gains Geographical Identification

After Brexit, the UK geographical indication scheme was established to provide legal protection against imitation and misuse of certain food and drink products. Recently, “Single Malt Welsh Whiskey” was recognized…

Transferring personal data between the EU and the US just got a little bit easier

Last month, the European Commission adopted its adequacy decision for the EU-US Data Privacy Framework. The decision means that the European Commission is now satisfied that the US ensures an…

The Legal Adventures of Generative AI: Navigating the Maze of IP Law

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken the world by storm, but we’re not talking about Siri or Alexa. We’re talking about AI-generated art, music, and even food recipes. But with great…

Twitter’s rebrand to X reinforces the importance of trade mark protection

It would come as no surprise to you to hear that Twitter, the social networking site purchased by Elon Musk, has rebranded and moved away from its famous ‘blue bird’…

Trade Mark Infringement: How To Protect Your Business From Copycats

In today’s competitive business environment, establishing a strong brand is vital for success. Beyond setting you apart from competitors, a well-established brand fosters customer trust and loyalty. However, the prevalence…

Do I Need a Written Contract?

In the dynamic landscape of business and personal transactions, the question often arises: “do I need a written contract?”. While oral agreements may be tempting for their simplicity and informality,…

Understanding Copyright and Fair Use

When it comes to copyright, the law tries to strike a balance between copyright protection and the public’s interest in accessing and using creative works for various purposes. English law…

What are Confidentiality Agreements? – UK

A confidentiality agreement is a legal agreement that binds one or more parties to non-disclosure of confidential or proprietary information. It’s often used in situations where sensitive corporate information is…

Fake Websites: what to do, where and when

Let’s face it, internet scammers and fraudsters are clever as they often employ sophisticated techniques to deprive consumers of their hard earnt cash (and businesses of their revenue). It’s on…

Trade Mark Classes – What are they?

In the fast-paced world of business, protecting your brand is essential for maintaining a competitive edge. Trade marks play a crucial role in safeguarding the distinctiveness of your products or…

Copyright infringement… does it really come with the territory?

“Where there’s a hit, there’s a writ”, at least that’s what Ed Sheeran now thinks having fought off many claims against his successful body of works. But is that always…

Lidl V Tesco: new ruling on injunction

A new development in the Lidl v Tesco battle (see more here: What’s next in the Lidl v Tesco trade mark saga? | Briffa Legal) has left Tesco’s well-known Clubcard…

Your Guide To Unregistered IP Rights In The UK

Intellectual property (IP) plays a crucial role in today’s knowledge-based economy. In the United Kingdom, individuals and businesses generate a wide range of creative works and innovations. While many people…

The 5 Most Common Mistakes When Filing A UK Trade Mark Application

Protecting your business identity and establishing brand recognition in the UK starts with filing a trade mark application. However, the process can be complex and filled with potential pitfalls. In…

Confidential Information and Intellectual Property

Protecting confidential information and intellectual property requires additional measures beyond general data security practices.  There are several steps that can be taken to help safeguard your confidential information and intellectual…