Intellectual Property

One IPO – a one-stop shop

The UKIPO has announced its plans to streamline IP services through its new One IPO Transformation Programme. The integrated, digital platform will provide a one-stop shop for all UK IP…

Why AI Can’t Be Trusted With Your Trade Marks

Artificial intelligence is now widely used in daily and professional life. It can draft emails, create texts, and even prepare legal documents. At first this may look like a fast…

UK to Retain UK+ IP Exhaustion Regime

The UK Government has confirmed that it will maintain the current ‘UK+ exhaustion regime’ for IP rights. This decision offers clarity and continuity for businesses navigating post-Brexit IP rules. The…

Unlocking IP: What Start-Ups Need to Know

If you’re launching a start-up, intellectual property (IP) could be one of your most valuable assets, sometimes the only one at the outset. Understanding the types of IP rights available,…

Can Copyright Exceptions and Fair Use Defences Justify Unlicensed AI Training Under Intellectual Property Law?

In today’s data-hungry AI landscape, one of the most pressing legal questions is whether copyright and related rights can—or should—bend to accommodate unlicensed training of artificial intelligence models, particularly when…

Protecting Your Food and Drink Packaging

Why Protect Packaging? For food and drink brands, packaging isn’t just practical. Most purchasing decisions are made at a glance, especially by passive shoppers browsing crowded shelves. In such a…

Dubai Chocolate, what’s in a name?

The viral Middle Eastern inspired chocolate bar, dubbed “Dubai Chocolate”, has been the subject of legal disputes in Germany in recent months, in the face of imitations. The pistachio-pastry filled…

Pastel de Nata: A Taste of Portugal and a Lesson in Trade Secrets

We’ve just returned from a fantastic team trip to Portugal – a wonderful few days spent enjoying the sunshine, culture, and of course, plenty of food. It was a proper…

Government (potentially) rows back on proposed changes to UK copyright law

BRIFFA, along with numerous other stakeholders in the creative industries, has been actively lobbying the UK government regarding its recent proposals to reform copyright law in favour of AI development…

Brand Collaborations – What’s the deal?

Brand collaborations are everywhere these days. Whether it’s high-end designers working with high street brands or a pop culture giant teaming up with a retail store, these partnerships are a…

Should I use AI as my lawyer?

Perhaps we’re biased, but simply put – no, an AI lawyer isn’t a substitute for real legal expertise. AI has become an integral part of daily life. From simplifying tasks…

Vibe Coding Is Here — But Are Your IP Rights Protected?

Vibe coding is an emerging approach to software development. Instead of writing code line-by-line, developers and non-developers alike can describe what they want, from functionality to design aesthetics, and receive…

Why start-ups should consider IP

In the fast-paced world of fashion, design, media and tech, intellectual property often gets overlooked until there’s a problem. But some of the most common IP issues come from small…

Do image rights exist in the UK?

Celebrities, sportspeople and entertainers alike often face a battle to prevent their personality and image being used without their consent. So, are they able to use an image right in…

Copyright and AI

In an attempt to better handle the emergence of artificial intelligence and the impact this is having on copyright and content creators, in December 2024, the government published proposals to…

BRIFFA’s response to the UK government’s consultation on AI and Copyright

As many readers will be aware, the government has recently launched a consultation on proposals to kickstart the UK economy using AI. This is a contentious issue as AI developers…

A significant step for mediation: DKH Retail and others v City Football Group Ltd

A recent order from the High Court in a trade mark dispute is being widely reported after the court used new powers under the amended Civil Procedure Rules to order…

Celebrating 30 Years of Briffa

January 2025 is a particularly significant month for Briffa because it marks the firm’s 30th anniversary. In January 1995, Margaret Briffa decided to set up her own firm because she noticed…

How can I protect my art from being scraped by GenAI?

Generative AI, or GenAI as it’s popularly known, has been a thorn in the side of creatives for the last couple of years, many of whom have seen their art…

The value of an appeal in IP disputes

The recent decision of the Court of Appeal in Thatchers Cider Company Limited v Aldi Stores Limited is one of a long line of judgments which serve to remind parties…

What Are the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court Cost Caps?

The Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC) is a court designed with SMEs and intellectual property in mind; it provides a forum for intellectual property litigation in the UK that is…

Protecting software with IP

Protecting software intellectual property (IP) in the UK requires a nuanced approach, combining various legal protections and strategic actions to secure both the code and the brand. Unlike some physical…

My business only offers services. Do I need IP protection?

Intellectual Property (IP) protection is often associated with physical products and inventions, but it is equally crucial for service-based businesses. If you’re a business offering services, such as consultancy, marketing,…

Confidential Information: Protecting Your Ideas and Know-How

Are you involved in pitching innovative ideas or designs for tenders or investment opportunities? Do your employees have access to sensitive client information? Is your manufacturer aware of detailed information…