Claire Gregg reviewed David Brennan’s new book "Patent Claims: Interpretation, validity and infringement" (Federation Press, 2025). The review highlights the book’s deep dive into unique Australian doctrines, such as "manner of manufacture", utility promises, and best method requirements, as well as claim construction, purposive construction divergences between the UK and Australia, and secondary infringement liability.
Trademarks
Georgia Jenkins reported on the High Court (IPEC) decision in FLOWERBX LTD v FLOWERS BOX LONDON LTD. Georgia examined how the court rejected the defendant's invalidity argument, holding that "FLOWERBX" is inherently distinctive and not descriptive for florist services, as "flower box" refers primarily to the container rather than the floral arrangement itself.
Marcel Pemsel analyzed the CJEU’s judgment in Inter IKEA Systems (Case C-298/23), which dealt with a Belgian political party using IKEA-style figurative marks and assembly-instruction graphics in an immigration campaign.
IP News and Events
Merpel McKitten announced a new Katcall for Expressions of Interest for 6-month GuestKat and InternKat positions starting in November 2026. The deadline for applications is Sunday, 4 October 2026 (midnight GMT).
Eleonora Rosati highlighted ERA’s upcoming online conference "Shifting Borders in EU Industrial Property Law", taking place on 5–6 November 2026. The event will explore the intersection of industrial property with fundamental rights, trade secrets, data sharing, and cross-border litigation. IPKat readers can claim a 20% discount using the VIP code IPKAT2026ERA.
Eleonora Rosati also shared that Kisaco Research’s Patent Litigation Europe summit is returning to Amsterdam on 18–20 January 2027. Readers can receive a 10% discount on top of early bird rates by using the code IPKat at checkout.
Image credit: Gemini AI
