European Union: Intellectual Property

Novagraaf serves as a comprehensive partner for intellectual property strategy, protection, and defense. The firm offers expert guidance through monthly newsletters, webinars, and exclusive content to help clients navigate the complex landscape of IP rights and enforcement.

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The European Court of Justice has delivered a landmark ruling clarifying what constitutes "individual character" in EU design protection, addressing whether creativity and originality are necessary requirements. This decision resolves longstanding uncertainty about how design rights differ from copyright protection and whether selecting from predefined components can still qualify for intellectual property protection.

Novagraaf serves as a comprehensive partner for intellectual property strategy, protection, and defense. The firm offers expert guidance through monthly newsletters, webinars, and exclusive content to help clients navigate the complex landscape of IP rights and enforcement.

The European Court of Justice has delivered a landmark ruling clarifying what constitutes "individual character" in EU design protection, addressing whether creativity and originality are necessary requirements. This decision resolves longstanding uncertainty about how design rights differ from copyright protection and whether selecting from predefined components can still qualify for intellectual property protection.

The debate over plant-based meat naming and labeling continues to evolve as the alternative protein industry faces regulatory scrutiny and marketing challenges. Understanding the legal landscape surrounding product nomenclature is crucial for manufacturers navigating consumer protection laws and trademark considerations.

Confidentiality orders are not limited to trade secrets, they cover any information requiring confidentiality, balanced against the parties’ competing interests

In today’s knowledge-based economy, confidential business information represents one of the most valuable assets of any enterprise. Recognizing the importance of protecting such information, the Cypriot legislator enacted the Protection of Undisclosed Know-How and Business Information (Trade Secrets) from Unlawful Acquisition, Use and Disclosure Law of 2020 (Law 164(I)/2020), which transposed Directive (EU) 2016/943 into domestic law (the “Law”).

This guide examines the principal categories of clauses that govern post-employment obligations in Cyprus: non-compete provisions, non-solicitation restrictions, post-termination confidentiality obligations, and payment in lieu of notice and garden leave arrangements.

SANDISK, a global leader in data storage technology, sought to improve the efficiency and consistency of its international patent translation and filing processes.

On 16 April 2026, the European Commission adopted a revised Technology Transfer Block Exemption Regulation (the "Revised TTBER") and Guidelines on the application of Article 101 of the Treaty...

Italy is implementing significant amendments to its Cultural Heritage Law that will take effect in April 2026, fundamentally reshaping the export certificate regime for artworks. These changes include raising value thresholds, extending validity periods, and introducing new protections for foreign artists' works, all designed to reduce administrative burdens while maintaining cultural heritage safeguards.