Having said goodbye to 2018 a week ago, we thought we would take a look back at the most popular posts from the year. From posting about changes in Government fees, to the impact of Brexit on IP, to new referrals to the Enlarged Board of Appeal; the following five posts were the most popular amongst our readers in 2018:
1. Patentability of Diagnostic Methods in Europe
This post from January 2018 was our most popular post of the year. By covering the hot topic of patentability of diagnostic methods in Europe, and discussing key cases within the field, this post became a hit amongst our readers.
2. Brexit and the Future of Intellectual Property in the UK
Brexit is currently one of the most talked about topics. This post reported on the publication of the policy paper (''White Paper'') and became one of the most popular posts amongst our readers.
3. Compliance Period for GB Patent Applications
The compliance period is a fixed timescale which only applies for UK patent applications. Being a relevant topic within UK patent law and having been posted close to the UK qualifying examinations (you are welcome, trainees), this post was one of the most popular reads in 2018.
4. Slowing Things Down at the EPO
With the EPO actively trying to increase the efficiency and timeliness of prosecution of European patents, this May 2018 post was a hit amongst our readers in 2018.
Since May 2018, the EPO has launched an online user consultation amongst stakeholders. The consultation will remain open until 11 January 2019, and so you will likely hear more from us on this topic in the near future.
5. G1/18 - A New Referral to the Enlarged Board of Appeal
Another popular read of 2018 was the post about G1/18, a referral to the Enlarged Board of Appeal. The pending referral aims to answer the question of what happens to an appeal if the appeal fee is paid after the expiry of the two-month time limit set under Article 108 EPC. You will likely hear more from us once an update is posted by the EPO.
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