Come and hear an expert panel talking about some of the issues faced by those taking legal action on IP infringement matters. In particular, hear from His Honour Judge Birss QC, the resident Judge at Patents County Court (PCC) about the recent improvements to the PCC and the introduction of the proposed new Small Claims Fast Track Court.
Whilst many challenges to IP infringement can be satisfactorily concluded with a letter before action and follow up correspondence, there are occasions when it is necessary to issue proceedings to achieve the objectives of either stopping a repeated infringement and/or to seek damages or loss of profits. The panel of experts will discuss different strategies for IP enforcement and recent improvements following recommendations from the Hargreaves Review.
Topics Covered
- PCC improved and simplified process
- Cap on costs in PCC
- Micro and SME’s – access to a Fast Track Court for cases less than £5000
- The role of mediation in IP cases
Why Should You Attend?
There are many misconceptions and concerns about taking legal action all the way through to a final Court hearing. With recent changes to the PCC, the procedures and costs involved are not so daunting. Current IP cases during the new PCC era have taken far less time to conclude as a result of the new PCC procedures. The strict guidelines about the level of costs which are recoverable by the parties help provide certainty for litigants. When the threat to your bottom line through IP infringement necessitates taking legal action through the Courts, it is essential you are equipped with the current process, how it works and the cost implications.
Time:
4.30 - 7.00pm with drinks and canapés
The Panel
His Honour Judge Birss QC, Patents County Court
Colin Birss was a member of 3 New Street Square chambers from the completion of his pupillage with Andrew Waugh in 1990 until his appointment to the Patents County Court in October 2010.
Rosa Wilkinson, Innovation Director, Intellectual Property Office
Rosa is leading IPO action to improve the way smaller businesses engage with IP issues. Her background includes work marketing the UK within UKTI, as Director of Public Policy for Lloyds TSB and as Managing Director of Government's Small Business Service.
Nick Kounoupias, Partner, DMH Stallard and ACID Chief Legal Counsel
Nick has practised in all areas of IP since 1988 and is acknowledged as one of the foremost practitioners in the field of design rights in the UK. In addition to handling all kind of IP disputes, Nick has written many articles, drafted Government legislation and lectured extensively in the past on IP issues. Nick is also an advisor to the Government on design law.
Dids Macdonald, CEO, ACID and Vice Chair of The Alliance Against IP Theft
Dids has been involved the design sector as a designer/maker for over 30 years and launched ACID (Anti Copying in Design) because her products were consistently copied. ACID’s membership of 1000+ design-led companies are mainly micro and SME’s and its core objectives are prevention, deterrence, education/awareness and support.
