Sunday Surprises

On May 28, the Center for International Intellectual Property Studies (CEIPI) of Strasbourg University is organising an online conference ,“Hayao Miyazaki and the law: from dream to reality”. The conference will examine the works of the Japanese artist from various legal perspectives. The event will be held in French with simultaneous interpretation into English.

During the end of May and early June, WIPO, together with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), will be offering an interactive series of Canadian Roving Webinars. The webinars will discuss WIPO Services and Initiatives for local businesses. On May 27 and 28, the events will be conducted in English, and on June 3 and 4, in French.

On June 23, Sir Robin Jacob will give an online lecture on Brexit and Intellectual Property Law. The lecture is organised by Utrecht University’s Centre for Intellectual Property Law (CIER). Registration details are available here, and participants are invited to submit questions to the speaker beforehand.

The International Trademark Association (INTA) has extended the deadline for the forthcoming INTA pro bono clinic. Companies are invited to apply before May 30, for a chance to receive pro bono assistance regarding IP and trademark-related issues. Applications from trademark attorneys, volunteering to provide their services, are expected before June 7.

The International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) has published a position paper on the TRIPS Agreement COVID-19 waiver, currently being discussed at the WTO. In the position paper, the AIPPI expresses a cautious position with regards to a possible patent waiver.

The Intellectual Property Office in the UK (UK IPO) has published its annual Corporate Plan for 2021 to 2022. The plan outlines the UK IPO’s main activities and targets and includes a foreword from Amanda Solloway, the Minister for Science, Research and Innovation.