Inside IP Autumn 2026
Welcome to our Inside IP Autumn 2026 edition!
This edition captures a diverse range of developments across the intellectual property landscape. We explore the Court of Appeal’s decision in the HOKA shoes case and its implications for selective distribution systems, alongside the latest phase of the EU design reform and what it means for protecting digital and technology-driven products. We also examine the Enlarged Board of Appeal’s landmark decision in G1/25, which provides long-awaited clarity on the extent to which patent descriptions must be aligned with amended claims before the EPO.
In life sciences, healthcare and agritech, we consider patent strategies in the fast-growing anti-glycation skincare sector, the challenges of protecting connected drug-delivery technologies, and the opportunities created by England’s new precision-breeding framework. We also look at the intellectual property options available for protecting and commercialising precision-bred plant varieties.
Beyond this, we consider practical IP issues affecting businesses across a range of sectors, from software development and trade mark registrability to protecting toys and games. We also look at innovation in autonomous freight and long-duration energy storage, highlighting the technologies and intellectual property shaping the future of transport and clean technology.
This issue also reflects a period of continued growth and achievement for Venner Shipley, including the promotion of three new Partners, excellent EQE examination results and recognition in the Managing IP IP Stars 2026 rankings.
Our perspective on…
Software dos and don’ts: patents, copyright and licensing
Practical guidance on patents, copyright and licensing for software businesses, highlighting the key intellectual property considerations for protecting and commercialising technology.
G1/25: Enlarged Board of Appeal decides on description amendments to conform to amended claims
Following years of uncertainty over whether patent descriptions must be aligned with amended claims, the Enlarged Board of Appeal has clarified that there is no general requirement for strict formal conformity. However, amendments may still be necessary where inconsistencies cannot be resolved through claim interpretation and would otherwise result in non-compliance with the EPC.
When the invention is the connection: patenting the smart drug-delivery device
In connected drug-delivery systems, the most valuable innovation often lies not in the device itself but in the connection between devices, creating new opportunities and challenges for European patent protection.
Clean technology series: long-duration energy storage
As renewable energy generation grows, long-duration energy storage is becoming critical to balancing supply and demand. We examine the technologies and intellectual property shaping the future of energy storage.
EU design reform: second phase takes effect
The latest phase of the EU design reform introduces significant changes to design protection, expanding opportunities for digital designs, animations and user interfaces while modernising the European design system.
Precision breeding and the law: what England’s new framework actually says
England’s precision-breeding framework creates new opportunities for innovation in agriculture. We explore the intellectual property options available to protect and commercialise precision-bred plant varieties.
Sugar rush: patent strategies in the anti-glycation skincare race
As interest in anti-glycation technologies grows, companies are racing to develop and protect new skincare innovations. We explore the patent strategies emerging in this increasingly competitive field.
The future of freight has already arrived
We explore how self-driving trucks are transforming operations at the Port of Felixstowe and consider the IP issues surrounding the technologies that make autonomous freight possible.
HOKA shoes: Court of Appeal clarifies approach to restrictions in selective distribution systems
A recent Court of Appeal decision involving HOKA shoes provides important clarification on the application of competition law to selective distribution systems and the control of authorised sales channels.
Absolutely Not Registrable Series: Summer 2026
From a two-second sound clip to a running-man silhouette and an unexpectedly offensive word mark, we explore some of the most notable UK IPO trade mark refusals of 2026 and the practical lessons they offer for brand owners.
Protecting and commercialising precision-bred varieties: your IP options
England’s precision-breeding framework creates new opportunities for innovation in agriculture. We explore the intellectual property options available to protect and commercialise precision-bred plant varieties.
Thinking outside the box: IP protection for toys and games
A look at how toy and game businesses can use patents, trade marks, designs and copyright together to protect creativity, innovation and commercial success.
Inside Venner Shipley
We are delighted to be recognised in Managing IP’s IP Stars 2026 rankings, achieving a Tier 1 ranking for Patent Prosecution and receiving recognition across multiple IP practice areas.
Venner Shipley appoints three new Partners
We are pleased to announce the promotion of Henry Aldridge, Jack Rogan and Sarah Neil to Partner, reflecting the depth of talent across the firm and our continued growth.
We are celebrating excellent EQE examination results across the firm, with several associates and trainees qualifying as European and UK Patent Attorneys and others making significant progress towards qualification.
A brief guide to UK Plant Breeders’ Rights
Absolutely Not Registrable Series: Summer 2026
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