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Question: [Are there any laws or prospective laws relating to the use or effect of AI?] In March 2024, the European Union passed the Artificial Intelligence Act. This Act has already entered into force and is applicable in Spain, although a gradual adoption of its provisions is foreseen. The Act regulates AI systems based on the risks that AI could pose to the fundamental rights of citizens. To do so, it analyzes their functions and purposes. The Act establishes four levels of risk: (i) minimal risk; (ii) high risk: before being marketed, they will be subject to a conformity assessment; (iii) inadmissible risk: those that violate fundamental rights and, consequently, are prohibited (for example, an AI that performs emotion recognition in the workplace or educational institution, for no justifiable reason); and (iv) specific risk for transparency: when there is a risk of manipulation, specific obligations are imposed (for example, users must be aware that they are interacting with a conversational robot). Fines are also envisaged for those AI systems that do not comply with the requirements of the Act.
When registering a new trademark in the market, there are several key issues that newcomers need to consider to ensure a successful and legally protected brand identity. These issues include: Trademark Availability Search: Conducting a comprehensive trademark search is crucial to ensure that the desired trademark is not already in use by another party. This involves searching existing trademark databases, both nationally and internationally, to identify any conflicting trademarks.
European Patent Office changes 10-day notification rule As of November 1, 2023, the old familiar rule that a document from the EPO is deemed to be delivered to the addressee on the tenth day following its electronic transmission or handover to the postal service provider will no longer apply. Instead, postal and electronic notification will be deemed to occur on the date of the document.
In the dynamic realm of the tech industry, innovation is the lifeblood of progress. It fuels advancements in software, hardware, and digital services that shape our world. At the same time, intellectual property (IP) rights are the legal scaffolding supporting innovation, safeguarding the interests of creators, inventors, and businesses. The coexistence of innovation and IP has been a topic of ongoing debate, and within this landscape, open source software has emerged as a fascinating intersection.
In the dynamic world of startups, intellectual property (IP) can be a game-changer. Patents and trademarks, in particular, offer valuable protection for innovations and brand identity. However, many startups face the common dilemma of limited budgets and resources. The challenge lies in determining when and how to initiate the patent and trademark process effectively. In this article, we'll explore strategies tailored to startups, offering advice on optimizing IP protection while being mindful of financial constraints.
In the digital age, where global commerce thrives on interconnected networks, the challenge of counterfeiting has grown to unprecedented levels. Counterfeit products not only erode brand reputation and consumer trust but also pose significant economic and safety risks. To fortify their presence and safeguard their reputation, businesses must adopt robust strategies for trademark protection against counterfeiting. This article delves into the gravity of counterfeiting, its impact on brands, and effective measures to build resilient trademark protection.
