IP and R&D Spark Newsletter

This month’s Legal Watch features high-impact shifts across the patent law landscape. The USPTO unveiled new rules on discretionary denial for IPRs, tightening scrutiny of post-grant challenges. Barbie enters the courtroom as an AI-powered version sparks IP disputes, merging pop culture with legal precedent. In a bold decision, the Federal Circuit lets prosecution laches override the presumption of validity, shaking core legal standards. And a sharp dissent from Judge Stark calls out overly narrow claim construction in a tile-levelling patent case. In Industry News, the USPTO’s rule change leads global headlines, while India opens consultation on revised CRI patent guidelines. A fresh EPO study highlights the growing importance of technical standards in shaping innovation. Meanwhile, Germany and the EPO deepen collaboration with South Korea, focusing on AI and cross-border IP strategies.

This month’s Techno Spotlight explores boundary-pushing breakthroughs—from waste-to-energy bio enzymes to microbiome-based diabetes alternatives. Cisco enters the quantum race with a networking chip built for the era of entangled computing. Kraft Heinz pledges $3B to upgrade its U.S. factories, signalling a bold bet on next-gen food tech. The ICH updates drug safety guidance for pregnancy, and EU regulators reexamine sunscreen filters BP-2 and BP-5. Battery tech takes a leap with a self-healing, ultra-efficient new design. And amid mounting industry pressure, advocates urge Europe to preserve SEP licensing rules to protect automotive competitiveness.

Stay tuned for more innovation shaping the IP and R&D landscape!