R o n c u z z i & Associati S.r.l.
via Antica Zecca, 6 • 48100 Ravenna
Tel. 0544 31076 • Fax 0544 33352i n f o @ r o n c u z z i . i t
©
2004 – 2015
University of CataniaJean Monnet Chair in Internationational Business
for European Union (IB4EU)December, 3-4, 2015 - Catania
Essentials onestablishmentand exploitationof IPRs - II
IPR
IPR is the acronym forINTELLECTUALPROPERTY RIGHTS
© R & A 2004 - 2014 23/12/2015
IPR
Intellectual property is anexpansive and rapidly changingarea of the law which deals withthe formulation, usage andcommercial exploitation oforiginal creative works.
© R & A 2004 - 2014 33/12/2015
A majority of the issues thatarise within this area revolvearound the boundary lines ofintangible property rights andwhich of those rights areafforded legal protection.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 4
IPR
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 5
unregistered signs
IPR - Who
Individuals and organizationsare allowed to fileapplications to get their assetregistered.
The problem is if seeking fora registration is really of usefor them.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 6
IPR - Who
Jump into IntellectualProperty is very challengingand very often changesone’s own scenario verydeeply.
Benefit from IPR needsentrepreneurial attitude,challenging approach toproblems, being curious.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 7
IPR – What
Patents, trademarks anddesigns are registered assets.
They are grantable at the endof a formal procedure beforeIntellectual Property National orRegional Offices that starts withthe filing of an application.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 8
IPR – What
An examiner verifies if the object ofthe application fulfils determinedrequirements.
The basic requirements areestablished by the “ParisConvention”.
Each State or Regional Authoritiesrules the matter through a lawsystem and its jurisprudence.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 9
IPR – What
Each grant can be revoked incase it is possible to prove thatthe examiner misinterpretedthe “position” of the object ofthe application within the priorart and the fulfilment of therequirements established bythe law.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 10
IPR – WhatIn certain systems, an administrativeprocedure called opposition might belaunched before the IntellectualProperty State Agency to limit or get agranted-to-be/a just granted IPRcancelled.
Oppositions might be manageddirectly without the assistance of alawyer, at a limited cost.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 11
IPR – WhatLocal/ regional Courts can alwaysmanage limitation or nullity actions ofgranted IPRs after the definitive conclusionof their administrative procedure (whenIPRs are fully enforceable rights).
Notably, only lawyers are admitted toCourts. This usually makes the proceduremore structured and the costs usuallymuch higher.
Additionally, time to goal is surely longerand decisions are not always morestraightforward.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 12
IPR – What – Patents
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 13
A patent is a registered title ofproperty related to a solution of atechnical problem.
It grants the owner (or a licensee)the exclusive right to exploit thereferred invention in a determinedterritory.
A patent can be granted only if itsapplication clearly describes theinvention, so that anyone feelacquainted with the matter at the endof reading the wording.
However, only after the expiry (of thepatent) the invention becomes freelyexploitable by anybody.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 14
IPR – What – Patents
15
Requisites of a patentableinvention
Novelty
Inventive step
Industrial feasibility
© R & A 2004 - 20153/12/2015
IPR – What – Patents
Inventions are novel if theirteachings are not comprised inthe “prior art” for the skilledpersons (at the filing date of therelative patent applications).
Novelty does not matter withbeing smart or ingenious (theinvention!).
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 16
Novelty
Prior art matters with (i.e.):
written and/or oral publications:
national and foreign patents,
articles, books, catalogues,theses, dissertations orpublications on websites,
lectures, workshops,presentations and conferences.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 17
IPR – What – Patents
IP Codes usually defineInventive Step in the negativeform.
It is usually stated that it ariseswhen the invention is notobvious, meaning that itperforms a surprising effect fora man skilled in the art.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 18
Inventive Step
IPR WHAT
PATENTS
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 19
IPR – What – Trademarks
Signs are suitable to becometrademarks if they are noveland capable to createdistinguishability for determinedproduct/service in a relevantterritory.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 20
At least 1 class with determinedcategories according to the
Nice Classification45 classes: 1-34 goods, 35-45 services
Sign
+
+
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015
District
IPR – What – Trademarks
IPR – What – Trademarks
A registered trademark is asign for which an establishedauthority granted an exclusivityright, with the aim to let theowner collecting the publicinterest on products/services bymaking their origin clearlydistinguishable.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 22
23
Trademarks limit:
the likelihood of confusion
among products/services of the
same nature; and
the risk of association among
producers of similar
products/services.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015
IPR – What – Trademarks
24
Ease the choice of aproduct or of a serviceprovider.
Identify the origin ofproducts/services indetermined fields;
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015
IPR – What – Trademarks
Novelty has to beassessed by making acomparison with validprior trademarks from averbal, conceptual andphonetical point of view.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 25
IPR – What – Trademarks
Distinguishability occurswhen the names andlogos are fancy, withoutany reference/link to theproduct / service to bedistinguished.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 26
IPR – What – Trademarks
27
The choice of a weak trademarkimposes to accept coexistencewith very similar trademarks.
Simple variations of the wording orimmaterial changes to thegraphical representation make asimilar trademark novel withreference to prior weak trademarkrights.
© R & A 2004 - 20153/12/2015
IPR – What – Trademarks
IPR – What – Designs
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 28
Designs are registered IPRs whichrelate to the aspect of a product, or ofone of its own part if this aspect ischaracterized by:
lines, contours, colors, shape, texture,materials of the product itself,decoration of the goods, on conditionthat this aspect is new and presentsindividual character.
A design is new for adetermined kind of products
If it differs from the priordesign concepts or from theshapes of alreadydivulged/traded products.
293/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015
IPR – What – Designs
IPR - Where
Practically worldwide: the ParisConvention is ratified in 176Contracting Parties/States.
Focusing on a determined Stateor through a unitary procedurerelative to a Region, if possible.
Depending on the nature and onstrategy of the company withregard to the object of the IPR.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 30
IPR - Where
Community RegisteredDesigns, CommunityTrademarks are availablewithin UE, whereas UnitaryPatent is not currentlyfeasible, probably within bythe end of 2016.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 31
IPR - Why
Create a monopoly
Origins financial benefits
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 32
IPR - Why
Each IPR is a monopoly:
grants a privileged position
conditions the competitors'strategy
facilitates the management ofone's know-how and networking
eases the restoration of infringedrights by simplifying the relatedlegal activity.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 33
IPR - Why
«Freezes» the companyknowledge and know-how.
Bans competitors to freely operatein a determined area of business.
Forces competitors to makeadditional effort in devoloppingnew concepts to maintain theirturnover and profits.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 34
IPR - Why
A robust and mixed IPRcompany portfolio makesthe company far moreattractive to investors:
M&A opportunities
lower company tax rate(i.e. Patent Box)
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 35
IPRs
Additionally, IPRs are a sort ofguarantee for the investments inR&D and foster innovation.
Particularly, granted patentscommunicate that the firm is incondition to increase its profitsand to reduce its risk margin.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 36
Steep increase of mobilityof managers andemployees towards morewealthy competitors orpromising business areas.
Loss of territorial control ofknowledge distribution.
© R & A 2004 - 2014 37
Spread of knowledge
3/12/2015
IPR WHAT
Trademarks
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 38
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 39
The sign must be arbitrary,imaginative, “capricious" in relationto the product service to bedistinguished.
Adding a graphical representation isoften not enough to lead to the grantof the exclusive right.
Small verbal or graphical changesare sufficient to prevent fromcounterfeiting of a weak mark.
Capability of distinguishingDistance between sign and product/service
Naming a soap
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 40
Sign Type Comment
Soap General Descriptive
Clean dishes Descriptive of theeffect
Weak
Wash up Descripive of thetrade sector
Weak
Tide Imaginative Ok
Aquos Imaginative Ok
No matter Sharp gave thesame name to a television –Different classes of goods
“Secondary meaning”
Distinguishable /Strong legalprotection
Time
Patronymicname
Imaginativenames
Generic names
© R & A 2004 - 20153/12/2015
Designating the class/es
Nice Classification: as of 1957, it isrevisited about every 4 years.
The 10th is now effective.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 42
http://www.wipo.int/classifications/nice/en/
ExamplesClass 9: spectacles, software, hardware, scientific instruments,compasses.Class 18: leather and imitations of leather, and goods made of thesematerials and not included in other classes; animal skins, hides; trunksand travelling bags; umbrellas and parasols; walking sticks; whips,harness and saddlery.Class 25: clothing, footwear, headgear,Class 28: Treadmill, exercise machine, toys.
43
Allow evaluation of
characteristics of a
product/service even
before buying it.
Trademarks additionalpurpose (1/3)
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015
44
A trademark may derive
actractive power through
the association to already
known and appreciated
elements, explicitly or
implicitly reminded.
3/12/2015
Trademarks additionalpurpose (2/3)
© R & A 2004 - 2015
Trademarks boosted
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 45
46
A trademark:
summarizes corporate values: quality,image, reliability, creativity, type oftarget, ruggedness, organization,management, sales network
produces extra-profit bycommunicating values.
3/12/2015
Trademarks additionalpurpose (3/3)
© R & A 2004 - 2015
47
At leat 5 trademark applications!
How many TrademarkApplications?
word marklogo and text inspecial characters
logoshapeSpecialcharacters
© R & A 2004 - 20153/12/2015
48
Therefore, a trademark (1/2):
aroused the interest of thepublic;
makes the product moreattractive to customers;
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015
49
collects value that can beobjectively appraised.
generates a privilegedposition;
3/12/2015
Therefore, a trademark (2/2):
© R & A 2004 - 2015
50
Deadlines
t dep.
6 m
Priorityright
0
Extension oftrademark
application savingpriority right
OK!
Duration: 10 years, always renewable
5 years from registration™ ®
If ΔT > 0 validation!ΔT
Effective use?
© R & A 2004 - 20153/12/2015
UIBM – Opposition totrademark registration
Internal procedure admitted against:
Italian trademark applicationspublished in the UIBM Bullettin;
International registrations designatingItaly and published in the WIPO Bullettinof International Trademarks
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 51
UIBM – Opposable Trademarks
Identity with an already registered trademarkfor identical products or services;
identity o similarity with a trademark alreadyregistered for identical or similar products orservices if likelihood of confusion between onthe part of the public may arise, which mayalso consist in the likelihood of associationbetween the two signs;
Lack of consent to registration from the ownerof rights on names of persons, signs used inthe field of art, literature, science, politics andsports, etc.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 52
All the conditions admitted by UIBM;
unregistered trade marks or other signs used inbusiness (domain names, company names) andvalid in anyone of the UE States;
unregistered trademarks well known in a MemberState of the Paris Convention (CUP) under art. 6a;
registered trademarks or National applicationsthat enjoy reputation for dissimilar products /services.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 53
OHIM – Opposable Trademarks
IPR WHAT
Design
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 54
55
How to get theprotection:
through registration, by meansof administrative procedure.through prior use (IT & UE).
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015
56
Advantages of theregistration:
Originates the exclusive right;
Shifts the the burden of proofto the alleged infringer;
Ease the trasfer of ownershipand use rights.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015
57
Community UnregisteredDesign Right
It is protected only by a copy of adesign regularly disclosed by theowner.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015
58
But … it is not regarded asderiving from a copy of a CUDthe independent creation madeby an author who could notreasonably know the CUD.
3/12/2015
Community UnregisteredDesign Right
© R & A 2004 - 2015
Complex Product
Product made of multiplecomponents assembledtogether, which can bereplaced allowing disassemblyand re-assembly (of itscomponents).
593/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015
Novelty occurs for acertain design if noidentical shape has beenmade available before thedate of its prior disclosure.
60
Novelty
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015
Grace Period allows to ignore adisclosure of a design modeloccurred before the applicationdate of its design patent.
GP lasts 12 months and startsfrom the date of the firstdisclosure of the object of theapplication.
61
Grace Period
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015
Disegn models are identicalwhen their owncharacteristics differ only forirrelevant details.
62
IDENTITY
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015
63
When applying for registration?(IT&OHIM)
t dep. 6
t1dep. est.<6
Priority
[months]
0
IT, RCD
X
OK!
Grace period
- 12
tdep.- tdivul. < 12
Duration of the registration = 5 years renewable 5 fivetimes, up to 25 years of validity.
3/12/2015
Publication of the application = after filing. Admitteddeferred publication up to 30 months from theapplication date.
© R & A 2004 - 2015
Multiplicity
Ok for OHIM and UIBM oncondition that all the designsgrouped together in the sameapplication share the sameclass of the LocarnoClassification.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 64
3/12/2015 65© R & A 2004 - 2015
Images/drawings
It is advisable that the filingdocuments of a designapplication comprises imagesthat allow a precise interpretationof the object.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 66
UIBM
Any kind of image isaccepted (photo, drawing,sketch).
Example: Borse testoBorse figure
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 67
OHIM
Almost as for UIBM, butsome guidelines have to befollowed with regard to theimage format if theapplication is filed on-line.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 68
Descriprion of thedesign
It is optional both forCommunity and Italiandesign applications.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 69
Deferment of publication
The applicant (for a registeredCommunity design) may requestthat the publication of theregistered Community design bedeferred for a period of 30 monthsfrom the date of filing theapplication or from the date ofpriority.
How? By the application form.
3/12/2015 70© R & A 2004 - 2015
Attenzione!
Mancanza di uniformità nellavalutazione di requisiti delladescrizione e dei modelli;
Tendenza allo schematismonell’interpretazionedell’oggetto della domanda.
3/12/2015 71© R & A 2004 - 2015
72
Quando registrare? (IT & RCD)
t dep. 6
t1dep. est.<6
Priorità
[mesi]
0
IT, RCD
X
OK!
Anno di grazia(per divulgazione anticipata)
- 12
tdep.- tdivul. < 12
Durata registrazione = 5 anni rinnovabile ogni 5anni fino a 25 anni totali
3/12/2015
Accessibilità della domanda = dopo laregistrazione a meno di differimento fino a 30mesi da data deposito o data di priorità.
Differimento = max 30 mesi
© R & A 2004 - 2015
USA
Alto rischio di Azioni ufficiali performalità (spesso pretestuose).
Impostazione e qualità deidisegni: spessore delle linee,ombreggiature.
ESEMPI:
3/12/2015 73
TGM_USD557758S1.pdf.lnk
TGM_Citterio_USD586410S1.pdf.lnk
© R & A 2004 - 2015
USA - Modelli multipli
3/12/2015 74
Accettati a discrezione dell’esaminatore.Normalmente richiesta elezione di unsottogruppo o anche di un solo modello
© R & A 2004 - 2015
Obbligatoria sintetica descrizione.
No forme linee tratteggiate.
No ombreggiature.
Prodotti raggruppabili in un unicomodello a condizione di:
appartenere ad una stessa sottoclasse
essere venduti assieme
essere impiegati nello stesso tempo
presentare lo stesso concetto progettuale
3/12/2015 75
Cina
Cina – Modelli multipli
OK!
No!
3/12/2015 76
Solo sevendutiassieme!
© R & A 2004 - 2015
Alto rischio di Azioniufficiali per formalità, acausa di problemiinterpretativi della nuovanormativa.
3/12/2015 77
Cina
© R & A 2004 - 2015
Russia
È necessario accompagnare le tavolecon una descrizione sintetica cheelenchi le caratteristiche essenziali delmodello.
La registrabilità del modello ècondizionata dalla combinazionedelle caratteristiche indicate comeessenziali nella descrizione e nondall’impressione generale suggeritadalle tavole.
3/12/2015 78© R & A 2004 - 2015
LIST OF ESSENTIAL FEATURES
Running machine, characterized by:
- make-up of composition elements: a casing, an upper horizontalpanel, a display block, a lower horizontal panel, and a running surface;
- arrangement of the upper horizontal panel between the upperportions of the lateral components of the casing;
- arrangement of the display block on the upper horizontal panel;
- arrangement of the running surface between the lower portions ofthe lateral components of the casing behind the lower horizontal panel;
distinguished by:
- implementation of the lateral components of the casing of inverted-like form in profile with rearwardly and upwardly inclined front portion;
- arrangement of the lower horizontal panel between the front parts ofthe lower portions of the lateral components of the casing.
3/12/2015 79
Russiaesempio di descrizione sintetica
© R & A 2004 - 2015
3/12/2015 80
Russia
© R & A 2004 - 2015
3/12/2015 81
http://www.wipo.int/hague/en
Modelli Internazionali secondol’Accordo dell’Aja
© R & A 2004 - 2015
3/12/2015 82
Non designabili: Canada,USA,Cina,Giappone,Australia,Nuova Zelanda,India, Emirati Arabi
http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/treaties/en/documents/pdf/hague.pdf
© R & A 2004 - 2015
Design ortrademark?
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 83
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 84
http://rallynote.com/index.php/it/
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 85
Community Trademark: 8732811
Registered Community Design:001645946-0001/00005
Design model ortrademark?
http://rallynote.com/index.php/it/
Trademarks: Average Consumer
Designs: Informed User
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 86
Reference for the comparison
“Abbracci ®”(Hugs)
Warning!
The concept of individual character ofdesign models has very much incommon with the concept ofdistinctiveness of marks.
According to some interpretations, theminimum distance between the shapesof two distinct designs which avoidsconterfeiting is lower than the distancecommonly admitted when comparingtwo distinct marks.
3/12/2015 © R & A 2004 - 2015 87
© R & A 2004 - 2015 88
Warning!
3/12/2015
© R & A 2004 - 2015 893/12/2015
Warning!
3/12/2015 90
Thank you for your kind attention!
Awareness Provider®
© R & A 2004 - 2015