Online image searches for designs and marks

No items found.
August 29, 2013
#
Building a Resilient Quantum Patent Portfolio: Winning the Race to File First

An online image search tool for figurative trademarks and designs could be launched under new proposals by the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM).

OHIM is currently developing a tool to carry out image searching online in line with feedback received from delegates at the international conference held to celebrate 10 years of the Registered Community Design (RCD) system in April 2013, on how to improve the RCD system.

Would the adoption of an online image search tool improve the RCD system, as applicants could more easily assess whether or not similar designs already exist prior to filing? Could this tool lead to bad practices or risks where the owners of designs are uploading images of as yet unfiled designs? What do you think? Tweet us @EIP_Designs

Recent Case Reports

Revocation of an independent claim does not automatically affect the validity of unchallenged independent claims
21 April 2026
In Emporia v Seoul Viosys, the UPC Central Division confirmed that the revocation of an independent claim does not automatically affect the validity of unchallenged claims. The decision underscores the importance of challenging all relevant claims where full patent revocation is sought.
Seriously deficient disclosure process not sufficient to reopen costs order - Cabo v MGA
08 April 2026
A High Court decision highlighting the consequences of inadequate disclosure searches under PD57AD and reaffirming that costs orders are final, even where later failures come to light.
UPC Court of appeal issues final decision, despite no finding on infringement at first instance
30 March 2026
In Rematec v Europe Forestry, the UPC Court of Appeal overturned the Mannheim Local Division’s revocation of the patent and, applying Article 75(1) UPCA, issued a final decision on both validity and infringement despite no infringement finding at first instance. The Court adopted a narrower, description‑led approach to claim interpretation, confirmed the patent’s validity, found infringement, and granted final remedies without referring the case back to the Court of First Instance.