Updates on IP news from our global team!

The New EPO Guidelines for Examination and Their Main Implications for Applicants

A new version of the Guidelines for Examination in the European Patent Office (EPO) entered into force on 1 April 2026. Among the changes introduced in this edition, we draw our readers’ attention to those with the most significant implications for applicants (and, conversely, for opponents). These implications stem from a closer alignment of the Guidelines—and therefore of expected examination practice—with the case law of the Enlarged Board of Appeal.

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The White House Looks to the Future of Artificial Intelligence in the US

Photo Credit: Nils Huenerfuerst

Though AI legislation in the US remains nascent, the Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations have all voiced opinions on what the future of AI should look like in the US. The Trump administration’s AI-directed communications recently culminated in the release of “A National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence” (the Framework). The Framework is a continuation of the December 2025 Executive Order “Ensuring a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence” (the Executive Order) and advocates for many of the same priorities. Unlike the Executive Order, however, the Framework includes clear Congressional calls to action, addresses intellectual property rights, and proposes strategies for enabling innovation. 

Archived Evidence from Wayback Machine® and Prior Art Determinations for Printed Publications

In a recent decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the appellate court affirmed the USPTO Patent Trial and Appeal Board’s final written decision that IPR petitioner Keysight had provided sufficient evidence that Centripetal’s patent claims were anticipated under 35 U.S.C. § 102 by a printed publication that was publicly available before the priority date of the patent. The proceedings involved commonly recurring issues relating to proving public accessibility of printed publications, including use of Wayback Machine® to provide time-stamped proof of such public accessibility. Ultimately, the Federal Circuit emphasized that a person of ordinary skill in the art (“POSITA”), with diligent effort, would have found the publicly available prior art reference since the reference was related to technical documentation from vendors in the technical field and was publicly available as supported by the Wayback Machine® archived evidence.

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Mizkan Recognized With The FY2026 “IP Achievement Award”



We offer our congratulations to Mizkan Holdings Co., Ltd. on being honored with the FY2026 “Intellectual Property Achievement Award (Commissioner of the Japan Patent Office Award).



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Ex Parte Appeal Statistics

From April 8, 2026, USPTO Hour: Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) Updates and Priorities

On April 8, 2026, the USPTO published Ex parte appeal statistics from September 30, 2012, through March 31, 2026. Over this time period, total inventory of pending appeals has dropped from 26,570 to 1,866. 





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Qatar Expands Trademark Registration to All Classes, Including Class 33



Following the adoption of the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification in February 2026, Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has clarified that all 45 trademark classes are now open for registration.



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John Osha was pleased to be invited to speak on the benefits of PCT applications during a recent WIPO lecture series in China. John joined WIPO representatives Yu Zhilong, Head, PCT User Resources Section, Bai Guangqing, Senior Counsellor (WIPO China), Ma Hao, PCT consultant, and many other distinguished speakers for this practical lecture series that took place over a two-week period in Changsha, Foshan and Xiamen. In addition to conducting an all-day seminar in each city, the group visited several companies in each region and hosted Q&A roundtables for industry participants. It was an informative experience for all involved. 

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