Pipers Bulletins

Pipers regularly issues bulletins providing a summary of recent developments in intellectual property law and practice in Australasia and other key countries and regions such as USA, UK, Europe and Asia.  Below are links to articles in the latest bulletin. Previous issues can be accessed via the left pane navigation.

Contents Summary of Latest Bulletin

Unpackaging Unjustified Threats Damages Claims in the Fickle Toy Trading Industry
In Cabo Concepts Ltd v MGA Entertainment (UK) Ltd 2025 EWHC 1451, despite findings of abuse of a dominant position and unjustified threats of patent infringement against MGA, Cabo’s claim for damages failed as the Judge held on a counterfactual basis that Cabo would not have traded profitably in any event.

EPO Now Allows Colour and Grey-Scale Drawings
From 1st October 2025 the EPO began allowing for the filing of patent drawings in colour or grey-scale provided they are in an electronic format.

Lower CHF Equivalent Madrid Fees Now for New Zealand
On 23rd November 2025, the amounts payable in Swiss Francs (CHF) for International Registrations that designate or subsequently designate New Zealand, and for renewals involving New Zealand designations, lowered by more than 15%.

USPTO Expedited Patent Examination Changes – Give and Take
The USPTO has made a couple of announcements of interest to applicants seeking to expedite examination of their patent applications.

Upcoming Changes to PCT Fees for AU and NZ
Effective from 1st January 2026 the PCT fees for International Filing, Search and Examination will change for Australia and New Zealand.