Latest blog articles

  • Who owns the data in healthcare? Should users be paid?

    The advancement of big data may lead to a revolution in the health sector by enabling the personalization of medicine. However, there are still uncertainties regarding the ownership of the data available, and also whether users should be entitled to compensation for the utilisation of their data.

    Healthcare blog use of big data
  • Change of course?

    With options running out before the United Kingdom faces yet another critical deadline, Prime Minister Theresa May tries one last (desperate) gamble to “save Brexit” – reaching out to the Labour Party. Will it be successful? Which are the options remaining on the table? What could happen next? Here...

    Houses of Parliament, London_MLR.jpg
  • Who is the president of Venezuela?

    Unrest still reigns in Venezuela and a major question remains unanswered: who is the President at the moment, Maduro or Guaidó? Despite the political aspirations of Guaidó and recognitions to that effect by several States, this blogpost will determine that, legally speaking, Maduro is still the...

    Blog Venezuela Laura Visser
  • From Big Mac to Supermac

    The recent cancellation decision of the word mark “BigMac” by the EUIPO Cancellation Division has raised several questions:  is use of a trade mark on a website sufficient to fulfil the requirement of making genuine use of the mark? Or is evidence of sales required?

    MC Donalds big mac blog trade mark
  • Who owns the geographical indication Pisco, Peru or Chile?

    With the development of international trade, local products have started to spread all around the world and become popular worldwide. Geographical indications (GIs) are meant to protect the use of the name that indicates certain characteristics and the origin of products typical for a particular...

    Chile or Peru - blog Pisco ownership
  • Artificial Intelligence and patents - How far should protection go?

    Artificial Intelligence has become a key player in today's society, especially with regards to technological and medical advances. However the question is, has the current patent system been able to provide suitable protection for inventions relying on Artificial Intelligence without human input?

    Blog AI and patents
  • When states elect the experts: the case of the UN Human Rights treaty bodies

    UN treaty bodies are committees of independent experts in charge of monitoring state compliance with the major UN human rights treaties. Yet, how far are these committee members truly expert and independent from their home governments, considering that they are nominated and elected by states?

     ...
    Blog When States Elect the Experts: The Case of the UN Human Rights Treaty Bodies
  • The Ides of March: The United Kingdom gets one last chance. Will it use it?

    Staying just a little bit longer? Or for good?

    Summary: With the European Council throwing a lifeline to the United Kingdom, all options are back on the table. Rather than taking back control, the United Kingdom now finds itself dependent on the remainder of the European Union – with the absence of...

    the_ides_of_march_MLR