Weekly IP Brief
A weekly roundup of IP developments across Taiwan, China, the US and Japan, with one main story and short summaries for quick review.
2026
- 2026-W44
US Federal Circuit Clarifies Exclusive Licensee Standing in TexasLDPC v. Broadcom
The US Federal Circuit ruled that patent enforcement is a legitimate business activity, granting exclusive licensees full standing to sue under 35 U.S.C. § 281.
- 2026-W43
TIPO Clarifies Partial Revocation of Wulong Yuan Trademark, Confirming Copyrights Remain Intact
Trademark revocation does not mean losing IP protection; TIPO clarified that non-core classes were revoked due to non-use while copyrights remain fully intact.
- 2026-W42
China Concludes Nationwide Seminars on Amended IP Laws as Enforcement Transition Period Ends
The conclusion of China's IP law roving seminars signals the end of the transition period, raising compliance and enforcement risks for businesses with local supply chains.
- 2026-W41
TIPO Standardizes ACMA Music Licensing Rates for Hotel and Hospital Rooms at NT$25 Annually
Taiwan's TIPO sets ACMA's music licensing rate for hotel and hospital rooms at NT$25 per room annually, explicitly excluding separate areas like restaurants and gyms.
- 2026-W40
USPTO Tightens Rules on 'Unintentional Delay' Petitions: Over-1-Year Delays Subject to Higher Fees, Well-Managed Portfolios Unaffected
USPTO to halve the grace period for 'unintentional delay' petitions on Aug 13, 2026. Well-managed portfolios are unaffected, but others must act now to avoid a $3,000 fee.
- 2026-W39
TIPO Seeks Public Recommendations for Historically Significant Patents for Permanent Preservation
TIPO is calling for historically significant patents for permanent preservation. This archival initiative does not affect patent rights or pose infringement risks. Most companies can safely ignore this announcement unless they wish to nominate pioneering patents filed before 2006.
- 2026-W38
TIPO Announces Netflix's Application to Review MÜST's Public Transmission Royalty Rates for Games
Netflix challenges MÜST's game music royalty rates in Taiwan. While this sets a vital benchmark for cloud gaming, businesses not involved in game development are completely unaffected.
- 2026-W37
TIPO Announces Draft Amendments to Patent Examination Guidelines for Specification and Invalidation
TIPO's patent guideline drafts redefine filing and invalidation rules. If you rely only on trade secrets, this does not affect you. If patenting, review drafts before Sep 25.
- 2026-W36
TIPO Extends Patent and Trademark Fee Payment Deadline to Midnight for Virtual Account Transfers
TIPO extends patent & trademark fee deadlines to midnight! However, this only applies to designated virtual account transfers. If an external IP firm manages your portfolio, you are unaffected. Internal teams should update payment calendars now.
- 2026-W35
CAFC Transfers T-Mobile Royalty Dispute, Clarifying Jurisdiction Boundaries for Patent Contracts
Patent contracts don't guarantee patent court jurisdiction! The CAFC ruled that royalty disputes are general contract issues. Licensors should review forum clauses and define royalty adjustments after reexaminations to avoid costly general court litigation.
- 2026-W34
Federal Circuit Rejects Challenge to Patent Cover Language: Injunctions Remain Subject to Judicial Review
The "right to exclude" on a U.S. patent cover doesn't guarantee an injunction. The CAFC's latest ruling confirms that remedies depend on proving irreparable harm in court, not certificate text.
- 2026-W33
TIPO Launches Upgraded Music Information Search System with 750,000 Records
TIPO's upgraded music search system with 750,000 records helps businesses producing marketing videos or broadcasting in-store music quickly identify licensing organizations and avoid copyright risks.
- 2026-W32
TIPO Releases Minutes on Generative AI Copyright Guidelines: Minor Edits on AI Outputs Fail to Secure Copyright
TIPO's latest minutes clarify that minor edits to AI-generated content do not grant copyright. While general office users are unaffected, creative and R&D teams must document human design footprints.
- 2026-W31
EPO SEP Report: No Fixed Rates for FRAND Royalties, Focusing on Individual Technical Contribution
The EPO's latest report confirms there is no fixed rate for FRAND royalties. If your products do not use 5G or Wi-Fi standards, this has zero impact on you. If they do, secure non-infringement warranties from your suppliers now.
- 2026-W30
Anthropic Settles Landmark Copyright Lawsuit for $1.5 Billion: A Wake-Up Call for AI Training and Corporate IP Strategy
The era of free AI training is over! Anthropic settles copyright lawsuit for a record $1.5 billion. This landmark case warns businesses that unauthorized tech dividends will eventually face a liquidity crisis. Learn how to protect your R&D assets.
- 2026-W29
USPTO Streamlines Madrid e-Filing: How to Mitigate Risks of Eleventh-Hour Submissions
Major USPTO update! New rules streamline Madrid e-Filing. With 25% of filings submitted after 5 PM, timing is everything. Read how to optimize your global trademark strategy and avoid critical delays.
- 2026-W28
US Patent Eligibility Storm: Can PERA Reshape the Global Tech Innovation Landscape?
A major shakeup is coming to the US patent system! As Congress reviews the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act (PERA) this week, find out how this shift will impact your software and biotech patent strategies in the US.
- 2026-W27
China Overhauls Trademark Law After 40 Years: Cracking Down on Bad-Faith Hoarding and Redefining Brand Strategy
China overhauls its Trademark Law for the first time in 40 years! Starting in 2026, severe crackdowns on squatting and hoarding carry fines up to RMB 250,000. Is your brand strategy ready?
- 2026-W26
Women Inventors Patent Fast-Track Scheme Extended for One Year: How Enterprises Can Leverage the Time Dividend to Seize Market Opportunities
TIPO's fast-track scheme for female inventors is extended to June 2027! With an average examination time of just 44.2 days, learn how to leverage this time dividend to accelerate your patent layout and secure market dominance.
- 2026-W25
Taiwan Trademark Classification Update: TIPO Announces New Product and Service Names, Demanding Brand Defense Alignment
Taiwan's TIPO will implement major trademark classification changes on July 1, 2026. Adjustments to product/service names may leave your brand vulnerable. Review your portfolio now to secure your assets.