Welcome to Greenshoots

Greenshoots is a collection of fresh intellectual property insight, analysis and commentary on the issues that matter most to those who invent, manage and protect intellectual property, written by the IP specialists of Appleyard Lees.

Now that you’re here, why not take a look around?

Articles

UK IPO announces impending changes to UK designs system following consultation

The changes aim to modernise the system, making it simpler and more effective to protect designs, whilst retaining the speed and cost-effectiveness that the UK registration system offers.

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Articles

From Europe’s NGT patent debate to US seed patent reform?

The balance between incentivising innovation in plant breeding and preserving access to genetic resources for farmers and breeders has been a major topic of debate worldwide in recent years. In Europe, recent discussions surrounding the regulation of plants produced using New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) were closely linked to concerns over the role of patents in the plant and agricultural sectors.

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Articles

With Wise Limited v Wise Payments Limited. IPEC reserves a request for costs following withdrawal of strike-out application

In With Wise Limited (With Wise) v Wise Payments Limited (Wise Payments), Recorder, Amanda Michaels, considered the costs consequences of an abandoned strike-out application brought in related trade mark revocation proceedings.

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Articles

G1/25 Decision: Description amendments remain, but a ray of hope for more leniency from the EPO?

The Enlarged Board of Appeal has issued its decision in G1/25, providing important guidance on when the description of a European patent or patent application must be adapted following amendment of the claims.

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Articles

When brand protection goes overboard…..

Enforcing your trade mark rights is about managing risk. But what happens when the pursuit of maintaining your registered rights against third parties becomes a risk in itself? The recent dispute between Airbnb and bnb-side, a six-room bed and breakfast on the Isle of Portland, provides a useful reminder that bigger is not always better when it comes to trade mark enforcement.

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Fendi fashion shop front
Articles

Fendi v Rolo Fashion: Calculation of damages for trade mark infringement

In Fendi Italia Srl & Ors v Rolo Fashion Limited & Anor [2026] EWHC 1703 (IPEC), the court considered how damages should be calculated following the sale of counterfeit luxury goods. The decision provides useful guidance on lost profits, reasonable royalties under the “user principle”, reputational harm and additional compensation for trade mark infringement. Crucially, it highlights the evidence brand owners need to establish economic loss, and confirms that such loss will not simply be assumed.

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Articles

From frames to firmware: 20 years of cycling patent trends

While the biggest names in professional cycling stay largely the same year to year, patent data tells a different story. Our analysis of 20 years of cycling patents reveals a clear shift toward digital innovation, from AI-assisted gear shifting to RADAR-based safety systems, and what it means for the future of IP in the sport.

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Articles

Podium Icons Limited (formerly Maradona Global Limited) v Diego Armando Maradona Sinagra & Others (BL O/0743/25)

In Podium Icons Limited (formerly Maradona Global Limited) v Diego Armando Maradona Sinagra & Others (BL O/0743/25), the Appointed Person, Dr. Brian Whitehead, refused an application to transfer an appeal to the High Court under section 76(3) of the Trade Marks Act 1994.

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Articles

Par for the course: Intellectual Property in golf

This article investigates current patent filing data amongst major brands, and broader industry activity within the sport of golf.

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Articles

EU Parliament approves New Genomic Techniques (NGT) Regulation

On Wednesday 18 June 2026, after years of discussion, the EU Parliament approved the New Genomic Techniques (NGT) Regulation, following the text provisionally agreed in December 2025.

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Articles

Quick Play Sport on target in Kickster case defending against patent revocation action on appeal to the High Court

Few patent revocation actions go this far - fewer still end this decisively. This landmark win highlights the growing strategic role of national revocation proceedings.

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