?? These are the most recent IP Law News ??? 06 / 07 / 2024

On May 30, 2024, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) shared the Madrid Yearly Review 2024, an annual report presenting statistics and analysis on international applications , registrations, renewals, and designations, with this edition focusing on subsequent designations made under the Madrid System .

Under this system, subsequent designations allow the holder of an international registration to extend the geographical scope of protection of an existing international registration by filing a subsequent designation, i.e., by adding one or more jurisdictions.

The report shares relevant general information on the use of the Madrid System, such as the addition of a new member country in 2023, the Republic of Mauritius, bringing the total number of members to 115, representing 131 countries. In addition, subsequent designations in the international registers in 2023 increased by 8.8% over the previous year, reaching a total of 64,335.

Finally, the report reveals key information on Colombia's participation in this international registry system. Colombia became a member of the Madrid Protocol in 2012. Among all subsequent designations received by Colombia, 44% originated from international registrations made prior to its entry into the Protocol, while the remaining 56% were associated with international registrations submitted after 2012, the year in which Colombia acceded to the Madrid Protocol.

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In a Standard Essential Patent (SEP) infringement case filed by Ericsson against a Lenovo distributor (MPS), on May 29, 2024, the Superior Tribunal of Bogota affirmed the lower court’s (the SIC, Superintendence of Industry and Commerce) decision granting a Preliminary Injunction (PI) request.

The granted PI orders the defendant to refrain from importing into Colombia, offering for sale, or selling the accused infringing devices compliant with 5G technology. On appeal , Magistrate Martha Isabel García upheld the granted PI, arguing the injunctive relief ordered was appropriate to protect the plaintiff's rights by preventing irreparable damages that could occur during the litigation.

The Innovation and Artificial Intelligence District of Valle del Cauca has launched a call for technology entrepreneurs to enroll in incubation, acceleration and expansion programs. This initiative seeks to strengthen the region's business sector, as those selected will receive personalized mentoring, connections with investors and corporations, service credits with technology partners and coworking in Zonamerica for seven months.

To participate in the incubation phase, entrepreneurs must be in the ideation phase and have a presence in Zonamerica. On the other hand, the acceleration phase requires startups operating in the department with a Minimum Viable Product or sales traction. The expansion phase is open to founders from Valle del Cauca or vallecaucanos outside the region with notable experience and current or upcoming investment rounds.registration and requirements are available at the link .

This call implies a positive impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the region. By offering incubation, acceleration and expansion programs to technology entrepreneurs, it fosters the creation and growth of innovative startups, which boosts the local economy and positions Valle del Cauca as a center of innovation and technology nationally and internationally.

On 11 May 2024, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) of China introduced the Interim Regulations on Unfair Competition on the Internet, which will be effective as of September 1, 2024. The most relevant points of this regulation are:

1. Unfair online behaviors : rules are established to control practices such as misleading advertising and manipulation of reviews.
2. Responsibilities of digital platforms: these platforms are required to prevent and report unfair practices , such as abuse of data algorithms.
3. Improved enforcement and case management processes: improvements are implemented to resolve disputes related to unfair competition more effectively.
4. Clarification of legal responsibilities: obligations are spelled out and confiscation of ill-gotten gains is facilitated.?

These measures strengthen competition regulation in China's digital environment, promoting fair play in commerce and protecting consumers and businesses.