https://www.agip-news.com/The Only Specialized Global Intellectual Property News.key_copyrightshttp://localhost/Ag-Ip-News_Website_V1/images/Admin_images/tagLogo_en.gifhttps://www.agip-news.com/12050https://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78840&lang=enhttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78840&lang=enThe Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)LOS ANGELES - The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) published the Guidelines for Advancing Universal Acceptance (UA) Adoption, developed by the Universal Acceptance Expert Working Group (UA EWG), according to the official website of ICANN.  Established in August 2025 by ICANN President and CEO Kurtis Lindqvist, the UA EWG is tasked with developing guidelines to guide ICANN's work in advancing UA adoption based on the scope defined in its charter. The guidelines build on extensive collaboration among subject-matter experts and community representatives from across the ICANN community. Following publication of the draft guidelines for Public Comment from 23 February through 13 April 2026, the UA EWG reviewed the input and updated the document where appropriate before finalizing the guidelines. The community broadly supported the direction and structure of the guidelines while providing constructive suggestions to strengthen implementation and prioritization. UA is the principle that all valid domain names and email addresses – regardless of script, language, or character length – should be accepted, validated, stored, processed, and displayed correctly by all Internet-enabled applications, devices, and systems. Advancing UA is essential to enabling a truly multilingual Internet and supports ICANN's Strategic Plan for FY26–30 as well as the New gTLD Program: 2026 Round. The final document provides strategic and practical guidelines for a range of stakeholders, including technology companies, standards organizations, software developers, open-source communities, the Domain Name System industry, hosting and Internet service providers, governments, intergovernmental organizations, and academia. The document also outlines a framework for measuring progress across awareness, policy support, implementation, and capacity development to help assess the effectiveness of UA adoption efforts over time. The publication of these guidelines marks an important milestone in ICANN's ongoing work to enable UA. ICANN org will use the guidelines to inform its future UA work, share plans, and continue collaborating with the global Internet community to advance UA adoption worldwide.  Wed, 09 Sep 2026 16:03:44 GMThttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78839&lang=enhttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78839&lang=enThe State Council of the People?s Republic of ChinaBEIJING - China will refine intellectual property (IP) rules for artificial intelligence (AI), algorithms and other emerging technologies, as part of a broader push to modernize its copyright regime for the digital economy, according to the official website of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.  This move forms part of the country's recently released 15th five-year plan for intellectual property protection and utilization, which maps out IP development priorities from 2026 to 2030. According to the plan, China will refine IP protection rules for emerging fields and specific sectors, including algorithms, AI-generated content and platform-economy-related IP issues. To support the development of new quality productive forces, China will strengthen copyright services and safeguards for new technologies and industries such as blockchain, big data, cloud computing and artificial intelligence, the plan said. In recent years, Chinese films, TV series, web novels and video games have gained growing popularity overseas. Revenue from Chinese self-developed games in overseas markets surpassed 20 billion U.S. dollars in 2025, while the country's online literature has reached hundreds of millions of readers in more than 200 countries and regions. The global expansion of these digital cultural products has heightened the need for stronger copyright safeguards. In the next five years, China will enhance copyright protection and transaction rules in fields like online publishing, online audiovisual services, and online literature and arts, the plan noted. It will also improve its international IP protection system to achieve better dispute resolution and risk control, and create a case database of cross-border IP disputes, the plan said. The country will step up IP cooperation through the World Intellectual Property Organization and other multilateral mechanisms, strengthen IP consultations with major trading partners, and help shape international IP rules and standards in emerging fields, the plan added. The plan set the goal of making decisive progress in building China into an IP powerhouse by 2030, with its IP competitiveness ranking among the world's best by 2035. Another target is to raise the share of copyright industries' value added in GDP to 7.53 percent by 2030. To this end, the plan urged high-quality development of copyright industries, better transformation and commercialization of copyrighted works, and stronger international promotion to bring more Chinese works to global audiences. Via these measures, China aims to foster a more robust IP ecosystem that supports innovation and cultural creation, laying a solid foundation for high-quality development in the digital era.Wed, 09 Sep 2026 16:03:13 GMThttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78837&lang=enhttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78837&lang=enThe World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) GENEVA - Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou, Tokyo-Yokohama, San Jose-San Francisco, Seoul and Beijing are the world’s five biggest “GII Innovation Clusters,” or concentrations of innovative activity identified by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) through the analysis of international patent filings, scientific publications and venture capital deals, according to the official website of WIPO.  The Global Innovation Index (GII) cluster initiative maps the cities or regions that bring together universities, researchers, inventors, venture capital and R&D activity, guiding policymakers and business leaders in creating the conditions in which breakthrough ideas flourish. China (with 25 clusters) and the United States (20) together host nearly half of the world’s 100 biggest innovation clusters. Germany follows with seven clusters, led by Munich (28th), while India, led by Bengaluru (24th), and the United Kingdom, led by London (8th), have four each. “The world’s leading clusters are building blocks of national innovation ecosystems and show the importance of strong connections among research, enterprise, talent and investment. Their spread across regions reflects the increasing capacity of economies to translate innovation into economic and social impact,” WIPO Director General Daren Tang said. The 2026 Ranking of World’s Top 100 Innovation Clusters chapter excerpt was released ahead of the public GII unveiling on September 29, 2026. The GII clusters chapter reflects the widening reach of innovation across regions. Beyond China and India, six other middle-income economies host top 100 clusters: Brazil (São Paulo), Egypt (Cairo), the Islamic Republic of Iran (Tehran), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Mexico (Mexico City) and Türkiye (Istanbul). Cairo (86th) is the sole African cluster in the top 100, while São Paulo (49th) and Mexico City (82nd) are the two clusters in Latin America. Paris (10th, France) enters the top 10, joining London (8th) as the second European cluster. Riyadh (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 92nd) enters the top 100 for the first time while Ningde (China) records the year’s biggest climb, rising 24 places to 75th.  Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:06:31 GMThttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78835&lang=enhttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78835&lang=enThe Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)LOS ANGELES - The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Nominating Committee (NomCom) invites the ICANN community to share insights and input for the 2027 selection cycle, according to the official website of ICANN. The NomCom is designed to function independently from the Board, Supporting Organizations, and Advisory Committees. The NomCom provides an independent mechanism for selecting qualified leaders who bring diverse perspectives, relevant expertise, and independent judgment to ICANN's leadership bodies. To inform the selection process, the NomCom invites the community to provide input on the 2027 selection cycle. As the 2027 NomCom will be seated following ICANN87, we welcome feedback on the guidance and candidate job descriptions provided for the recently concluded 2026 selection cycle, which are available on the NomCom homepage, as well as on additional qualities, skills, or considerations that should be prioritized in candidate selection. The NomCom will be selecting candidates for the following leadership positions in the 2027 cycle: • ICANN Board of Directors, three seats • At-Large Advisory Committee, three seats, one each from the Africa, Asia Pacific, and Latin America and Caribbean regions • Generic Names Supporting Organization Council, two seats, one each for the Contracted Parties House (voting) and the Non-Contracted Parties House (voting) • Country Code Names Supporting Organization Council, one seat Community input is welcomed for every stage of the NomCom process – from outreach and recruitment, through application development, live interviews, candidate evaluation, and final selection. Please note that all submissions will be published. However, the NomCom retains sole discretion regarding the incorporation of community input into its process. Submission Guidelines When submitting input, please include: • A summary of your suggestion(s) (bullet points or narrative) • Whether your input relates to a specific position, the NomCom process overall, or both • Supporting rationale or examples (e.g., relevant experience or process improvements) • Your name, affiliation (if any), and stakeholder group or constituency To ensure timely consideration, submissions are due by October 15, 2026. The NomCom will review the submissions during the ICANN87 Annual General Meeting in Bali, Indonesia.Sun, 06 Sep 2026 10:40:51 GMThttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78834&lang=enhttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78834&lang=enThe U.S. Copyright Office WASHINGTON - The US Copyright Office organizes the event The Copyright Act Turns 50: An Inside View from the Copyright Office on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. eastern time, according to the official website of the Office.  The ninety-minute event will focus on the Copyright Office’s role in the development, administration, and later updates of the Copyright Act of 1976 through an insider’s lens, with contributions from individuals who participated as staff at the Copyright Office or on Capitol Hill. With instrumental support from the Copyright Office, Congress passed the Act to modernize copyright law for a rapidly changing world, and it was signed into law on October 19, 1976. The principal provisions of the revised law took effect on January 1, 1978. The Office implemented the Act; administers the Act, including the registration and recordation systems; and has worked with Congress on amendments over time. Upon its passage, the Act broke new ground by making the copyright system more accessible to creators and users of creative works and continues to provide a framework that promotes the Office’s Constitutional mission.  Sun, 06 Sep 2026 10:40:28 GMThttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78833&lang=enhttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78833&lang=enThe Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)LOS ANGELES - The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) announced that it has entered into an agreement with Analysys Mason Limited (Analysys Mason) to be the provider for the Geographic Names Panel and Reserved Names Panel in the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: 2026 Round. The Geographic Names Panel evaluates if each applied-for gTLD string represents an eligible geographic name based on criteria set forth in the Applicant Guidebook (AGB). The Reserved Names Panel determines whether an applied-for gTLD string is a reserved name and, if so, verifies the relevance and authenticity of the applicant's required supporting documentation, according to the official website of ICANN.  ICANN selected Analysys Mason to serve as the provider for both panels through a competitive Request for Proposal process initiated in February 2026. The selection followed ICANN's procurement best practices to ensure appropriate specifications, quality, and value. Analysys Mason is a global technology, media, and telecoms management consulting firm. Drawing on expertise, experience, and research capabilities, Analysys Mason helps clients perform complex evaluations and make critical decisions every day. With more than 400 consultants in 17 offices, Analysys Mason is a trusted partner for governments, investors, and industry players, and has worked on projects in over 140 countries. ICANN selected Analysys Mason because it is confident that it has the capabilities and experience needed to conduct Geographic Names and Reserved Names evaluations effectively. ICANN has also worked with Analysys Mason to ensure the fees remain as fair as possible, given the complexity of the evaluations. For information on fees, please see the FAQ on the New gTLD Program website. More information on Geographic Names and Reserved Names is available in Section 7.1.2.2 and 7.1.2.3 of the AGB.  Thu, 03 Sep 2026 13:45:20 GMThttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78832&lang=enhttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78832&lang=enThe International Trademark Association (INTA) NEW YORK - The International Trademark Association (INTA) has filed an amicus brief?(Statement of Intervention) with the General Court of the European Union (GC) in relation to an appeal against the decision (case T-137/26) of the Grand Board of Appeal of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) of December 19, 2025, which rejected the trademark application of “George Orwell”, according to the official website of INTA.  The case relates to the registrability of a word mark consisting of the name of a famous British Author (GEORGE ORWELL) for—inter alia—books, prints, newspapers, CDs, digital recordings, entertainment and cultural or educational activities. The EUIPO in the first instance partly rejected the application according to Articles 7(1)(b) and 7(1)(c) EU Trademark Regulation (EUTMR), which prohibit the registration of trademarks that are devoid of distinctive character, or that are purely descriptive. The EUIPO argued that for the English-speaking public in the European Union (namely, Ireland and Malta) would immediately understand the sign as meaning the famous writer George Orwell, the pseudonym of Eric Arthur Blair, who was born in 1903 in Motihari, India, and who died in 1950 in London, England. While this name, like “Shakespeare” or “Hitchcock,” may perfectly serve to designate the commercial origin of paints, clothing, or pencils, it would not be distinctive for books or films. INTA filed written observations during the proceedings before the EUIPO in support of the applicant, who contested the rejection by an appeal within the Office. The Board of Appeal in charge noted that there had been diverging decisions with respect to the registrability of titles of books and names of well-known characters of literary and artistic works for certain goods and services and referred the case to the Grand Board of Appeal (GBoA). By the contested ruling, the GBoA upheld the examiner’s decision, mainly on the grounds of George Orwell’s fame and reputation as a writer. In the Statement in Intervention filed with the GC, INTA took the following position: Personal names are distinctive per se. They are expressly quoted in Article 4 of the European Trademark Regulation as being capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one undertaking from those of other undertakings. Signs consisting of names of famous persons do not lose such capacity. They should be treated like other trademarks for which fame and reputation serve to enhance the degree of distinctiveness. There are many examples in which personal names have been registered and served as trademarks: “Citroën,” “Ferrari,” “Porsche,” or “Opel” for cars and vehicles, “Giorgio Armani,” “Chanel,” “Christian Dior,” “Karl Lagerfeld,” or “Versace” for clothing and perfumes; “Louis Vuitton” for bags and leather goods, “Michelin” for tires and maps, and “Roger Federer” or “Carlos Alcaraz” for sporting clothes, accessories and related services. The world of literature makes no difference as can been seen from EU-mark registrations for “Albert Camus,” “Agatha Christie,” “Charles Dickens,” “Umberto Eco,” “Ian Fleming,” “Gabriel García Márquez,” “Václav Havel,” “Hergé,” “Stieg Larsson,” “Marcel Pagnol,” “Georges Simenon,” “Olga Tokarczuk,” and “Tolkien.” In light of these precedents, INTA urged the GC to reverse the GBoA’s decision and confirm that personal names, including those of well-known individuals, can function as trademarks and retain their ability to indicate commercial origin, even when they achieve public recognition. INTA warned that a contrary outcome could undermine IP protection in the EU by potentially rendering all famous names ineligible for trademark registration.  Thu, 03 Sep 2026 13:44:21 GMThttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78831&lang=enhttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78831&lang=enThe Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)LOS ANGELES - The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) announced the ICANN87 Prep Week schedule. The schedule consists of ten sessions to prepare the ICANN community for the ICANN87 Annual General Meeting, taking place October 17–22, 2026, in Bali, Indonesia, according to the official website of ICANN.  ICANN87 Prep Week will be held from Monday, October 5, 2026, to Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Sessions will be conducted in English and will feature remote simultaneous interpretation in French and Spanish. To attend any of the sessions, please register for ICANN87. After registering, you will receive an email confirmation with additional event details. Please visit the ICANN87 website to view the Prep Week schedule details. Remote participation information will be published 24 hours before the start time of each session. Session materials, recordings, and transcripts will be published on the website as they become available.  Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:22:34 GMThttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78830&lang=enhttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78830&lang=enThe U.S. Copyright Office WASHINGTON - The US Copyright Office is now accepting applications for the Barbara A. Ringer Copyright Honors Program. This fellowship, which runs eighteen to twenty-four months, was created for attorneys in the initial stages of their careers who demonstrate exceptional ability and interest in copyright law. Ringer Fellows work closely with senior attorneys and others in the Office of the General Counsel, the Office of Policy and International Affairs, the Office of the Register, and the Office of Registration Policy and Practice on a range of copyright-related law and policy matters. Ringer Fellows serve as full-time federal employees for the term of their fellowships and are eligible for salary and benefits as permitted under federal law, according to the Office.  Additional details about the Ringer Fellowship, including the application process, can be found on the Barbara A. Ringer Copyright Honors Program webpage. Applications will be accepted from August 31 through December 31, 2026.  Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:21:58 GMThttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78829&lang=enhttps://www.agip-news.com/news.aspx?id=78829&lang=enThe Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)LOS ANGELES - The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is calling for applications for NextGen@ICANN Program participants to attend the ICANN88 Community Forum in Lisbon, Portugal, March 13–18, 2027, according to the official website of ICANN.  ICANN wants to hear from university students living and studying in the European region who are interested in the future of the Internet and participating in the Public Meeting. If ICANN88 is held virtually, the NextGen@ICANN Program will also be held virtually. What Is NextGen@ICANN? The NextGen@ICANN Program provides opportunities for university students to better understand how ICANN contributes to the technical governance of the Internet and the multistakeholder model. Through an immersive program, participants learn about topics such as the Internet ecosystem, Internet governance, and policy development at ICANN. The program also provides insight into how to engage and contribute to the work that supports the stability, resiliency, and reliability of the Internet. NextGen@ICANN runs in conjunction with ICANN Public Meetings and is geared toward students who are 18–30 years old, living or studying in the region hosting the selected ICANN meeting. Participants are required to attend courses and presentations six weeks before the ICANN Public Meeting. In addition, they are expected to give a 10-minute presentation during the meeting. Experienced mentors support participants throughout the program. The NextGen application window is open from August 31, 2026, to October 9, 2026. Successful candidates will be announced on December 17, 2026, on the ICANN website.  Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:21:14 GMT