While many have enjoyed a shorter work week, the IPKat has been busy keeping an eye out for events and opportunities that might interest our dear readers. Here's the latest updates.
Forthcoming Events
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| Image by Gundula Vogel via Pixabay |
The next edition of the People, Plants and the Law online lecture series will be held on Tuesday 28 April 2026 at 8-9am CEST / 4-5pm AEST. The lecture will be given by Dr Veit Braun (University of Augsburg, Germany) on the topic "Bad to Think With: Plants and Property Relations." Registration and details here.
Registration closes today for the CIPA Future Attorneys Conference 2026, which is being held on Thursday 16 April in London. The conference is designed to support trainee patent attorneys and those involved in their development. Details here.
IP academic opportunities
George Washington University Law School is accepting applications for its Frank H. Marks Intellectual Property Law Fellow position for the upcoming academic year, with the possibility of renewal for a second year. The Fellow will receive support for pursuing a career in the US legal academy, including mentoring, networking opportunities, research assistance, and a budget for conference travel. Further details and requirements here.
Other News
Last week, the UKIPO launched its new digital patents services. This includes a digital "Apply for a Patent" application service that allows users to complete applications, view application details and updates, and update applications at any time through their account. We are told that trade marks and registered designs will come later.
In recent weeks, this Kat has been writing posts about the High Court judgment in Nador Cott v Asda about infringement of the 'Nadorcott' plant variety rights in the UK and how it compares to a UPOV Expert Study. There has been a small update: this Kat has learned that Nador Cott Protection SAS have announced their intention to appeal the decision. The IPKat will of course keep readers up-to-date with further developments as the case proceeds.
Reviewed by Jocelyn Bosse
on
Friday, April 10, 2026
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