What’s New in IP: Key Updates for Your Portfolio and Processes

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11月 3, 2025

October 2025 brought important updates from IPWatchdog, the UK IPO, and WIPO that may affect how you manage patents, trademarks, and global filings. From new procedural requirements to emerging technology issues, here’s what you need to know — and where to learn more.

The Ouija Board: The Invention That Named Itself

This UK IPO post explores the surprising IP story behind the Ouija board, illustrating how even long-established products depend on layered IP rights such as patents, trademarks, and designs. It’s a good reminder to review older or legacy assets that may carry untapped or expired rights.

What’s Changing: Managing Your Patents

The UK IPO’s new “One IPO” system will modernize how patent owners handle filings, assignments, and ownership updates. IP teams should start mapping process changes now, ensuring docketing, access permissions, and training are aligned before rollout.

What’s Changing: Supplementary Protection Certificates

For those managing pharmaceutical or biotech portfolios, the UK IPO details how SPCs will be managed under the new digital system. The update covers changes to submissions and renewals — essential for avoiding lapses once the platform launches.

New Email Requirement for Madrid System Users

Effective 1 November 2025, all Madrid System trademark holders and representatives must provide verified email addresses. Without compliance, requests could be delayed or rejected. IP managers should audit their records now to ensure accuracy and reduce processing interruptions.

Synthetic Media and New Challenges for IP Policy

At WIPO Conversation 12, policymakers and industry experts discussed synthetic media and AI-generated works. For IP professionals, it signals future changes to ownership, licensing, and rights enforcement. Teams should start reviewing contracts and policies for AI-related content.

Brazil Joins the Budapest Treaty

Brazil’s accession to the Budapest Treaty expands global options for depositing microorganisms in patent applications. Life-sciences IP teams should review how this affects filing jurisdictions, compliance requirements, and potential cost or timing advantages.

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