News from the British patent and trademark office

New Icann director wants better board cooperation

18 August 2011, London

In an exclusive interview with Managing IP, Icann’s new board director Judith Vazquez says that Icann must overcome self-interests in order to improve

Vazquez, who was chosen by Icann's nominating committee to replace Katim Touray on the board, will take up her new position on October 28 2011 after the organisation's meeting in Dakar, Senegal.

She is founder and chairman of PHCOLO – a telecoms site in the Philippines – and has experience in the media through GMA Network, a broadcasting corporation where she has served as a director for more than 20 years.

Four answers to the DNA patent problem

17 August 2011, London

There is a “profound tension” between exploiting biomarker patents and routine infringement of IP in laboratories, according to a report published this month

The report summarised discussions at a seminar convened by the UK's Human Genetics Commission in October last year. The seminar was attended by IP practitioners, researchers and surgeons.

The seminar was convened to collect views on the impact of DNA patenting on innovation in diagnostics and what constitute fair IP frameworks...

Increased TTAB input in settlements opposed

15 August 2011, New York

Four prominent law associations do not recommend increased involvement by the USPTO Trademark Trial and Appeal Board in settlement proceedings, saying it would result in delayed cases

The letters, now published online, from the Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO), the American Bar Association (ABA), the International Trademark Association (INTA) and the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) were written in response to the USPTO’s request for comments in April.

In addition to that inquiry regarding ex parte proceedings, the USPTO asked about the scope of the Board’s involvement and whether it should be formally triggered in specific instances.

In its letter, the IPO said the system as it stands is working as intended. More TTAB involvement...Bottom of Form

Fake websites targeted by innovative technology

15 August 2011, London

Internet software designed to protect consumers from fraudulent websites is to be introduced on smartphones and tablets

Secure Online Identification (Solid) enables internet surfers to establish a website's authenticity by viewing a pop-up window; if the brand's logo is visible in the window then the user can be sure that the site is legitimate.

The window will turn red for a fake site, which can then be blocked. Consumers, who are also directed to the real site, can only use the service if the site's owners have subscribed to First Cyber Security, the company that...Bottom of Form