2021 was the year intellectual property (IP) disputes went viral. Why? A move by one brand really took the cake.
For most people IP exists in the background. They're aware of what it is, but not terribly invested in the specifics. Until the great M&S vs Aldi meme war of 2021. Suddenly it was Team Colin vs Team Cuthbert and people were Googling IP law to see who was in the right.
The dispute highlighted a trend we're seeing more and more of – brands taking the fight from the courtroom and onto social media.
For brands, winning in cyberspace can now be as important as winning in the courtroom.”
Roland Mallinson, Head of Taylor Wessing's UK brands group
This isn't the only trend we've seen recently. As we approach the end of the year, the holidays offer a twofold opportunity to reflect on the past year and to look ahead to what next year might bring.
How can you protect your interests in 2022?
Innovation is essential to competitive advantage. And IP is essential to protecting innovation. As part of Raconteur's special report on IP, four of our experts have shared what to pay attention to as we ring in the new year. The trends they expect to influence the year ahead include:
- New technologies and the new IP issues that come with them.
- IP disputes going viral.
- Changing patent strategies across Europe.
- Post-sale control of products including upcycling, parallel trade and more.
Twenty years ago, when I started, IP wasn’t much appreciated. Now, it’s the central pole that keeps the whole tent up.”
Dr Paul England, Patent lawyer
Read the full Raconteur report
