US must lead on FRAND; BlackBerry royalties don't impress markets; USPTO Director race narrows; Top IP lessons for biotech SMEs; InterDigital eyes M&A; and much more
Everything we covered on IAM over the last seven days – and all you need to know from the global IP market to set yourself up for the start of another busy week
The Long Read
Data does not have to be an opportunity just for the biggest players, smaller businesses can also get in on the act – but only if they think carefully about IP strategy. BT senior counsel Afzana Anwer explains how SMEs can secure the winning edge. Read more here
MONDAY 15th February
"Straw man" oppositions are attracting increased scrutiny from Indian patent applicants as well as the courts - best practices in drafting and prosecution can help mitigate the risks. Read more here
Companies in the IAM/ktMINE US Patent 100 have enjoyed significant stock growth over the last three years - outperforming many major Asian, European and North American indices. Read more here
Barclays and TD Bank have joined the Open Invention Network, adding to its growing roster of members from the financial services community. Read more here
TUESDAY 16th February
The Indian government is moving to abolish the controversial Intellectual Property Appeals Board, which hears appeals of patent office decisions. Read more here
The CAFC’s much-anticipated ruling in Amgen v Sanofi has major implications for antibody patents and continues the court’s trend of imposing a tough enablement standard for genus claims. Read more here
Leahy displaces Coons to take charge of key Senate IP sub-committee, while search for new USPTO Director may be narrowing to three candidates. Read more here
WEDNESDAY 17th February
A surge in utility model applications and grants in China during 2020 risks undermining the narrative around improving patent quality that the authorities are so keen to promote. Read more here
BlackBerry has built a licensing operation that brings in more than $300 million annually, but those gains have failed to shift shareholder sentiment. Read more here
THURSDAY 18th February
Executives at both Hyundai Motor and Nissan raise brand concerns about establishing a potential OEM relationship with Apple. Read more here
IAM asked a panel of experts to identify how life sciences SMEs can best overcome the distinctive IP challenges they face. Here are seven crucial takeaways. Read more here
Ericsson’s IP policy head explains why she dissented from a high-profile European Commission report on FRAND SEP licensing. Read more here
FRIDAY 19th February
Patent data shows that Africa’s dominant supplier of mobile phones has significantly grown its IP portfolio since going public. Read more here
How the acquisition of UK chipmaker Dialog Semiconductor looks set to boost Renesas’ fast-growing patent licensing business. Read more here
InterDigital reported a solid financial performance in 2020 and with almost $1 billion in cash it is turning its attention to M&A opportunities. Read more here
SATURDAY 20th February
Up to now, the US has largely left it to others to set the agenda on FRAND and SEPs. That is not good enough. It is time for the Americans to step up to the plate. Read more here