Celebrating World IP 2021

As we mark World IP Day 2021, we would like to update our clients and contacts on some exciting news and recent developments in the Intellectual Property sphere.

Latest Updates

Copyright in Cars: Jaguar Successfully Sues Replica Car Maker

A Swedish Court has held that copyright applies to the shape of a sports car. This will be welcomed by manufacturers and designers across all sectors including those operating in the automotive and technology spheres. We review the decision and the potential impact for organisations seeking to protect the IP in their creations.

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Is it Really Worth Investing in Intellectual Property?

The EU recently released a report which highlights a direct link between intellectual property rights and the level of success of companies across the EU. We examine how the more intellectual property rights your company has, the higher your revenue will be and the better your employees will be better paid.

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Regulating AI - EU Commission Proposal Published

On foot of the EU Commission Proposal for the regulation of AI, Partner Brian McElligott summarises some of the headline points of the draft Regulation including the four distinct risk based categories as well as penalties and fines.

Recent News

Mason Hayes & Curran Wins at Managing IP Awards 2021

We are delighted to announce that our market-leading Intellectual Property team has won the Irish Trademark Contentious Firm of the Year award for a third consecutive year at the 2021 Managing IP Awards. Our IP team took home the title of Irish Copyright & Design Firm of the Year award at the ceremony. Notably, this is the second time in three years that the team has been conferred with the top award in the Copyright & Design category.

Notably, this is the second time in three years that the team has been conferred with the top award in the Copyright & Design category.

Accepting the awards, Head of IP Gerard Kelly commented, “This is a remarkable achievement for the firm and our team. It highlights the diverse range of work that we do for our clients and underscores our ability to provide exemplary service on high quality IP mandates on both a contentious and non-contentious level. We are one of a few law firms that manage all aspects of trade mark work for clients, including trade mark filings. Winning the Trademark Contentious award for a third year in a row, in addition to the Copyright & Design accolode, is testament to the fact that we are recognised leaders in dealing with all aspects of our clients’ needs in the intellectual property rights space.”

View the full list of EMEA winners here

Legal Innovation Awards 2021 - Shortlisted

We are pleased to announce that Mason Hayes & Curran LLP is only Irish law firm to be shortlisted for an award in the 'Client Management Innovation' category at the upcoming 2021 Legal Innovation Awards. Our submission, in collaboration with the firm's Legal Technology & Innovation team, described the innovative new processes, procedures and technology adopted to provide enhanced client solutions and to help our intellectual property clients successfully manage their extensive IP portfolios.

Other nominees in this category are Baker McKenzie, Burges Salmon, DLA Piper and Osborne Clarke.

View the full shortlish here

Legal 500 - Published Rankings 2021

Following the publication of the most recent rankings by independent directory Legal 500, we are delighted that we continue to be ranked in the premier tier for Intellectual Property in this jurisdiction. In addition, key members of our team have been afforded welcome recognition, namely:

• Gerard Kelly, Head of IP | Legal 500, 2021 - 'Leading Individual' who has "... a wealth of knowledge on contentious IP matters and is very client focused".

• Eimear O'Brien, Senior Associate | Legal 500, 2021 - 'Rising Star'

For more information and expert advice on protecting your company's IP rights, contact a member of our Intellectual Property team.

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other advice.