Updates on IP news from our global team!

Game Plan Interrupted: A Lesson

in Assignment of Trademark Rights

Photo Credit: Gene Gallin

The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit recently affirmed a final decision of the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) cancelling Game Plan, Inc.’s registration for its stylized mark I AM MORE THAN AN ATHLETE. GP GAME PLAN and dismissing Game Plan’s opposition to Uninterrupted IP, LLC’s six intent-to-use applications for marks containing “I AM MORE THAN AN ATHLETE” and “MORE THAN AN ATHLETE.” 

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European SMEs Can Access Up to €7,320 for IP Filings

On February 2, 2026, the European Commission, in cooperation with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), launched the 2026 SME Fund. This grant initiative enables eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the European Union and Ukraine to receive partial reimbursement of some official intellectual property fees.

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Another Example of the Peril of Functional Language in Patent Claims

Patent practitioners have long relied on functional language such as “configured to,” “adapted to,” and “capable of,” as a strategy for broadening claim scope by using such terms to capture a structural range of elements that can perform a function rather than one specific configuration. However, this tactic comes with risks of unintended judicial interpretation when such terms are not used with a clear structural foundation. A recent nonprecedential decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for Federal Circuit (Federal Circuit)—Blue Buffalo—serves as a reminder that when functional terms are used without precise intent, this strategy can backfire.  

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Courtesy Ceremonial Copies

of eGrants

On April 18, 2023, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) transitioned to electronic patent grants (“eGrants”) but continued to automatically provide courtesy ceremonial copies of newly issued patents to patentees. The eGrant is the official statutory patent grant; the ceremonial copy is a commemorative item only.

Beginning March 9, 2026, courtesy ceremonial copies will only be provided to those who specifically request them by checking the Ceremonial Copy box on the PTOL-85 Part B form when paying the issue fee.

EPO & IEA Renew Partnership

The European Patent Office (EPO) and the International Energy Agency (IEA) have renewed their partnership, continuing efforts to combine the EPO’s patent intelligence with the IEA’s energy data to monitor innovation trends shaping the global energy transition. READ MORE

Qatar Announces New Innovation and IP Support Initiative

The Qatari Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at supporting innovators, inventors, and rights holders. READ MORE



French Patent Filings Rise Significantly in 2025



The French Intellectual Property Office (INPI) received just over 16,800 French patent applications in 2025, representing a remarkable increase of 8.7% compared with 2024. READ MORE

We look forward to connecting with fellow attendees at INTA's 2026

Annual Meeting in London. Request a meeting with our team here.

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