In this week’s Patent News – EPO rejects two patent applications that designate a machine as an inventor; Toyota launches new IP Licensing Program; Michelin files design patent infringement suit against Tri-Ace and other news updates.
INDIA PATENT NEWS
IPO publishes four presentations related to PCT Roving Seminars
As our readers are most likely aware, the Indian Patent Office (IPO) in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has been organizing a series of PCT Roving Seminars in India, the most recent ones being conducted on 25th, 27th, 29th November 2019 and on 2nd December 2019 across various Indian cities. In an effort to maximize public awareness and knowledge building, the IPO has published the presentations used during the events on their official website thereby providing easy access to the presentations for the general public. The presentations published on 17th December 2019, can be access through the links provided below:
- Roving Seminar for filing PCT International Applications under PCT by WIPO
- ePCT for Applicant by WIPO
- Role of Indian Patent Office as RO, ISA/IPEA – IPO
- Use of PCT-National prospective by IPO
PATENT & DESIGN DISPUTES / INFRINGEMENTS / SETTLEMENTS/ LICENSING
Michelin files design patent infringement suit against Tri-Ace
Michelin North America Inc. last week filed design patent infringement suit against Tri-Ace Wheel & Tire Corp. and its subsidiary Black Bear U.S.A in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division. The suit, filed on 17th December 2019, accuses Tri-Ace and its subsidiary of infringing Michelin’s design patent for the BFGoodrich All-Terrain A/T KO2 tire. At a press release, Michelin said that Tri-Ace’s tires consist of virtually identical tread design with substantially the same features as those protected by Michelin’s patents.
Toyota launches new IP Licensing Program
On 19th December 2019, Toyota launched a new program called Toyota IP Solutions in order to license its Intellectual Property to interested persons. According to the company, the objective of the program is to promote IP licensing and act as a central point. To begin with, Toyota will provide access to its patent portfolios in four different areas, namely – Omnidirectional Structural Color, Bio-Active Material, Nano-Material Synthesis, and Electronics Thermal Management. In addition to the above, the company is currently assessing more portfolios to be offered for licensing in the near future. Chris Reynolds, the CEO of Manufacturing and Corporate Resources for Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) said that the technologies being offered through the program are not restricted to the automotive industry and can be used in other products as well.
You may click here to access the Toyota News Room for more information and here to access the Forms to request a license.
INTERNATIONAL PATENT NEWS
EPO and ARIPO sign Reinforced Partnership Agreement
The European Patent Office (EPO) and the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a Reinforced Partnership Agreement on 16th December, 2019. The MoU was executed in Zimbabwe by EPO President António Campinos and ARIPO Director General Fernando dos Santos. According to the notification on the EPO’s website, the partnership agreement between the two offices will enhance international cooperation and will result in strengthening the global patent system. According to the notification, EPO will provide assistance to ARIPO in building its capability to efficiently search and examine patent applications in a manner that is validated by its member states. The agreement will remain effective for a period of five years, on completion of this term, the patent offices may choose to extend the partnership agreement for an additional period of five years. You may click here to access the notification on the EPO website.
EPO rejects two patent applications that designate a machine as an inventor
The EPO has refused two European Patent Applications that designated a machine as an Inventor. The refused applications numbered EP 18275162 and EP 18275174 portrays “DABUS” as the Inventor and is described as – “a type of connectionist artificial intelligence.” According to the EPO notification, the applicant has stated that they acquired patent rights from the inventor by being its “successor in title.” The EPO conducted non-public oral proceedings on the 25th November 2019 and on hearing arguments from the applicant, the EPO refused the application on the grounds that the inventor did not meet the requirement laid in the EPC which states that that the inventors must be a human being. You may click here to access the patent applications – EP 18 275 162 and EP 18 275 174.
Source: https://www.epo.org/news-issues/news/2019/20191220.html
Authored by Vibha Amarnath
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