AS WE noted here the other day, UK-IPO patent filings fell. Only patent maximalists would sob over this because it might simply mean that patent quality improved and besides, as Managing IP has just pointed out, trade marks registrations are soaring, highlighting a potential change in strategy. The latter aspect too was pointed out by us two days ago. To quote:
A report released by the Intellectual Property Office details trends in patent, trade mark and design filing between 1995 and 2017
"Patent quality matters a lot."Earlier this week we mentioned a lawsuit involving European Patent 1,139,562, which doesn't sound particularly sophisticated. As WIPR has just put it, "Motorola announced yesterday, July 17, that the court determined that China-based Hytera is infringing Motorola’s European patent 1,139,562, which covers technology that improves the audio performance in two-way handheld radios and car radios."
Hytera has called it “nuisance litigations” [1, 2] and "software" is being mentioned:
Radio manufacturer Hytera has filed a petition at the US International Trade Commission (ITC) requesting review of a ruling issued by the body on 3 July which upheld rival Motorola Solution’s complaint of patent infringement against the company.
In the complaint, Motorola alleged that Hytera is unlawfully importing and selling two-way radio equipment and systems, and related software and components that infringe four of Motorola Solutions’ patents.
"What ever happened to "innocent until/unless proven guilty"?"Do we want this kind of thing in Europe? Shooting first (with questionable patents), asking questions later? Raids, confiscations and embargoes before justice begins (or is concluded)? Kangaroo courts like Battistelli's? Which call those who speak out against corruption "mafia"? Projection tactics? ⬆
