From 1 June 2026, the Republic of Moldova will be an EPC contracting state and thus part of the regular European patent system.
Republic of Moldova becomes the 40th EPC Contracting State read more
Anyone filing a German design with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA) should keep an eye not only on the filing fee, but also on the subsequent maintenance fees. Design protection is initially granted for five years and can then be extended step by step up to a maximum of 25 years.
German Design: What Official Fees Are Charged by the DPMA? read more
The German utility model is particularly attractive for many technical IP protection strategies primarily because it can be registered relatively quickly. Unlike a patent, the DPMA does not comprehensively examine before registration whether the invention is actually new and inventive. Precisely for that reason, the utility model is not a “small patent,” but an independent intellectual property right with its own fee structure.
German Utility Model: What official fees are charged by the DPMA? read more
Berlin remains a strong trademark hub. In 2025, a total of 6,391 trademark applications were filed by companies and private individuals based in Berlin. This was 1,253 more applications than in 2024, representing an increase of around 24.4%.
After the decline between 2022 and 2024, filing activity has picked up noticeably again. The 2025 figure is only slightly below the previous peak recorded in 2021.
Trademark Applications in Berlin 2025: Top Applicants and Market Development at a Glance read more
What does a German patent application at the DPMA cost – and which official patent fees accrue over the maximum term of 20 years from the filing date? This article explains the official DPMA fees (excluding attorney fees), including annual renewal fees from the 3rd to the 20th year of protection.
Costs of a German Patent Application – Official Fees Over the Full 20-Year Term read more
Training position starting 01 August 2026: We are looking for a Trainee IP Paralegal (m/f/d) for our Velbert office.
Training Position from 01 August 2026: Trainee IP Paralegal (m/f/d) – Velbert Office read more
Since 2012, the trademark offices of the EU Member States and the EUIPO have been working in convergence projects to achieve the most consistent decision-making practice possible. Convergence Project 17 (KP17/CP17) addresses the question of when slogans are distinctive enough to be registered as trademarks and which factors typically play a role.
Distinctiveness of Slogans – DPMA Implements Common Practice as of 16 February 2026 read more
Anyone who has ever recruited as a smaller patent law firm knows the dilemma:
Good candidates are scarce — and when suitable profiles are open to change or graduates are looking to enter the IP field, large firms or industry/in-house positions often win out.
That is exactly why we have observed the market over a longer period of time — almost three years. Not out of curiosity, but to answer a very practical question:
IP Recruiting 2026: Fewer Job Ads – An Opportunity for Smaller Law Firms? read more
On the initiative of the European Commission, the SME Fund “Ideas Powered for Business” was established. The SME Fund provides small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in the European Union (EU) with financial support to protect their intellectual property rights.
EU FUNDING FOR THE APPLICATION OF PATENTS, TRADEMARKS AND DESIGNS read more
In 2025, companies and individuals based in Velbert once again filed a significant number of trademarks at both national and European level. A total of 64 trademark applications were submitted. Compared to the previous year 2024 (57), this represents an increase of 7 applications, marking the highest figure within the observed period.
Trademark Applications from Velbert: Top Applicants 2025 and Development Over Time read more
