OpenAI has accused Chinese AI startup DeepSeek of using its proprietary models to train a competing open-source model, potentially breaching intellectual property agreements. OpenAI claims that DeepSeek employed a technique called "distillation" to enhance its AI model by learning from larger, more advanced models, possibly violating OpenAI's terms of service. This situation highlights ongoing concerns about IP rights in the rapidly evolving AI industry.
Counterfeit Goods Seizures
On January 31, 2025, authorities in Dublin conducted raids targeting intellectual property crime, resulting in the seizure of suspected counterfeit Apple AirPod Max headphones, fake Otterbox mobile phone cases, luxury goods, and cash. Approximately 180 counterfeit headphones and 185 fake phone cases were confiscated, with estimated revenue losses of €104,400 and €5,500, respectively. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts to combat counterfeit goods and protect IP rights.
Enhancements in Patent Search Tools
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has introduced "One IPO Search," a new keyword search tool for its patent database. Unlike the previous system that required specific patent numbers, this tool allows users to find existing patents using specific keywords. This development is part of a broader digitization effort by the IPO to modernize its systems and support innovation by providing an easy-to-use platform for inventors and businesses.
Legal Settlements in Fashion Design
Elizabeth Emanuel, co-creator of Princess Diana's iconic 1981 wedding dress, has settled a legal dispute with her ex-husband and former business partner, David Emanuel. The case involved allegations of copyright infringement over drawings of the wedding gown and other designs. The settlement grants Elizabeth ownership of all intellectual property rights of the Emanuel partnership, allowing her to proceed with new projects.
AI and Intellectual Property Disputes
OpenAI has accused Chinese AI startup DeepSeek of using its proprietary models to train a competing open-source model, potentially breaching intellectual property agreements. OpenAI claims that DeepSeek employed a technique called "distillation" to enhance its AI model by learning from larger, more advanced models, possibly violating OpenAI's terms of service. This situation highlights ongoing concerns about IP rights in the rapidly evolving AI industry.
01 Counterfeit Goods Seizures
On January 31, 2025, authorities in Dublin conducted raids targeting intellectual property crime, resulting in the seizure of suspected counterfeit Apple AirPod Max headphones, fake Otterbox mobile phone cases, luxury goods, and cash. Approximately 180 counterfeit headphones and 185 fake phone cases were confiscated, with estimated revenue losses of €104,400 and €5,500, respectively. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts to combat counterfeit goods and protect IP rights.
02 Enhancements in Patent Search Tools
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has introduced "One IPO Search," a new keyword search tool for its patent database. Unlike the previous system that required specific patent numbers, this tool allows users to find existing patents using specific keywords. This development is part of a broader digitization effort by the IPO to modernize its systems and support innovation by providing an easy-to-use platform for inventors and businesses.
03 Legal Settlements in Fashion Design
Elizabeth Emanuel, co-creator of Princess Diana's iconic 1981 wedding dress, has settled a legal dispute with her ex-husband and former business partner, David Emanuel. The case involved allegations of copyright infringement over drawings of the wedding gown and other designs. The settlement grants Elizabeth ownership of all intellectual property rights of the Emanuel partnership, allowing her to proceed with new projects.
These events reflect the dynamic nature of intellectual property law and its critical role in various industries, from technology to fashion.
Patent Disputes in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Recent legal battles in the pharmaceutical sector have highlighted the growing importance of intellectual property protection for drug manufacturers. In early 2025, a U.S. court ruled in favor of Pfizer in a patent dispute against a generic drug manufacturer, reinforcing the company's exclusive rights to its best-selling medication. The case underscores the ongoing struggle between brand-name pharmaceutical companies and generic manufacturers over patent expirations and market competition.
AI and IP conflicts
Counterfeit crackdown
Patent search upgrade
Big pharma patent disputes
ManagingSoftware License Compliance in Growing Companies: Common Cases and GoodPractices
Theimportance of software license management is becoming more pronounced ascompanies expand and rely on technology solutions, and ignoring this aspect canexpose organizations to legal and financial risks.Here are some of the common situations that growing businesses may face when dealingwith software licenses, with recommendations to avoid them.
EducationalLicenses – Autodesk / AutoCAD
Status: Get an educational copy of AutoCAD at a discounted price, then use it in commercial projects.
Impact: It is a clear violation of the terms of the license and may result in financial claims up to times the value of the original license
Good Practice: Verify the type and scope of the license before use, and retain proof of purchase or educational eligibility.
Rapidgrowth and number of users – Microsoft 365 / Office
Status: A company that started with only five licenses, then expanded its number of employees to 15 while continuing to use the same licenses.
Impact: Sharing accounts or exceeding the number allowed constitutes a breach of contract and may result in additional financial obligations
Good Practice: Review the number of licenses periodically, and expand subscriptions in proportion to the size of the team.
Shareand use concurrently – Adobe Creative Cloud
Status: Using one license on multiple devices or from more than one user at the same time.
Impact: Adobe's licenses are individual and do not allow for multiple simultaneous use, otherwise the company would be subject to lawsuits
Good practice: Use Teams/Enterprise plans to assign licenses to each user as needed
ServerLicense – Windows Server / SQL Server
Status: Running server systems without obtaining correct licenses for users or devices.
Impact: Server licensing models are complex, and any malfunction can lead to high costs and operational difficulties.
Good practice: Identify the appropriate model (per user/device or per kernel), and clearly document the use of licenses.
Adherenceto software licenses is a strategic administrative and investment measure thatprotects companies from significant legal and financial risks. Commitment enhances companies' credibility with their partners and customers,and contributes to reducing security and operational risks. In addition, adhering to software licenses protects companies from financialrisks such as:
Compensation: The company may be forced to pay damages to the developers or companies that own the affected software.
Legal costs: Companies facing lawsuits may have to pay legal defense costs that can be prohibitive.
Failure to receive official updates and maintenance: Unlicensed software may not receive the necessary security updates, putting the system at risk.
Developingclear policies to manage software license compliance is an essential step toensure safe and sustainable growth, and to avoid financial damage that mayarise from non-compliance.
Forexpert advice on how to effectively manage software licenses in your company,contact us now.
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