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Safeguarding Innovation: The Role of IP in Design Protection

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Introduction Design is more than just making things look good—it’s about shaping how we interact with products, solving everyday problems, and creating lasting cultural icons. Take LEGO, for example: a design that combines both functionality and aesthetic appeal, captivating generations of children and adults alike. The Coca-Cola bottle offers a similar story, with its iconic contour instantly recognizable across the globe. But how do these companies protect their designs, ensuring they remain unique in the marketplace and prevent unauthorized replication?

The Critical Role of IP Due Diligence in Mergers and Acquisitions

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Introduction In today’s knowledge-driven economy, intellectual property (IP) is one of the most valuable assets a company can hold. IP includes patents, trademarks, copyrights—such as those protecting proprietary software—and trade secrets. These intangible assets often form the foundation of a company’s competitive advantage. In mergers and acquisitions (M&A), IP frequently influences both the deal’s structure and valuation. However, IP is also one of the most complex elements in corporate transactions, requiring thorough due diligence to uncover risks and opportunities. Without proper diligence, buyers may inherit liabilities, overvalue assets, or miss out on strategic advantages.

Understanding the Differences Between Trademarks and Trade Names

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IntroductionIn the intricate web of commercial identity and legal rights, the distinction between ‘trademark’ and ‘business name’—often called trade name—is not just a matter of semantics but a cornerstone of intellectual property law. The significance of these terms extends beyond the mere labels; they are foundational to the recognition and protection of a business’s brand identity in the marketplace. Through practical examples and an exploration of legal precedents, this article aims to demystify these concepts, underlining their distinctive roles and the potential legal ramifications stemming from their misapplication or misunderstanding.

Moving Your Company to Cyprus: A Guide to Re-domiciliation

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IntroductionRe-domiciliation is the process through which a company transfers its place of incorporation from one jurisdiction to another while maintaining its legal identity and adapting to the new jurisdiction’s legal framework. Consequently, the company ceases to exist under the laws of the original jurisdiction. Both the departing and receiving jurisdictions must authorise such a transfer. The Cyprus Companies Law (Cap 113) not only supports re-domiciliation but also provides a detailed framework for companies that wish to relocate their legal domicile to Cyprus, thereby offering them the opportunity to capitalize on the benefits of this business-friendly environment.

Obligations of Cyprus Registered Companies: Essential Insights

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IntroductionCyprus has long been recognized as a strategic location for international business due to its advantageous tax system, sophisticated business infrastructure, and membership in the European Union. However, registering a company in Cyprus comes with certain responsibilities and requirements that companies need to be aware of and adhere to. In this article, we will delve into the primary obligations of Cyprus Registered Companies and other critical considerations.

Embracing Blockchain for Supply Chain Authenticity: Legal Considerations and Implications

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Introduction In today’s complex global marketplace, the integrity of supply chains is not just a logistical concern—it is crucial for business success and consumer trust. Companies increasingly grapple with the widespread issue of counterfeit goods, a threat that drains revenue, damages brand reputation, and poses risks to consumer safety. Enter blockchain technology, an innovative solution that offers more than just the authentication of supply chains; it promises to revolutionize business operations. This article explores the legal complexities and implications of integrating this transformative technology to ensure supply chain authenticity.

From Tweeting Bird to ‘X’ Marks the Spot: Navigating Twitter’s Trademark Challenges

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Introduction When Twitter decided to fly away from its iconic bird logo and rebrand itself as ‘X’, the social media giant took a bold leap into a nest of potential legal hurdles. This single-letter rebranding does not merely signify a name change but, instead, flutters into a storm of intricate trademark issues. The central challenge lies in the fact that ‘X’ already adorns the branding landscape.

The Ins and Outs of Partnership Law in Cyprus: Understanding Your Rights and Obligations as a Partner

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Introduction
In Cyprus, partnerships play a significant role in business ventures, with their creation, operation, and dissolution being regulated by the General and Limited Partnership and Business Names Law (the “Law”). Under this Law, a partnership is defined as a collaborative relationship between individuals who engage in business activities with the goal of making a profit. The minimum number of partners (may be corporate entities or natural persons) is two and the maximum number is 100 (if the partnership is conducting banking activities, then the maximum number of partners is 10). It is worth noting that, for legal purposes, a partnership is not considered a separate entity distinct from its partners……

Permanent Residence by Investment in Cyprus: Updated Criteria Following Amendments Introduced on May 2nd 2023

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Introduction

The Council of Ministers has approved the Ministry of Interior’s proposal to revise the criteria for granting permanent residency to investors under Regulation 6(2) of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations. The aim of the revision is to introduce control mechanisms to ensure that the applicant retains their investment for life and to address observed shortcomings. The revised criteria will come into effect from May 2, 2023.

Non-EU applicants can be granted Permanent Residency permits if they meet one of the investment criteria listed below……..

From Due Diligence to Transfer Fees: Everything You Need to Know About Buying Property in Cyprus

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Introduction

Buying a property is one of the most significant investments many people will make in their lifetime. It can be an exciting and rewarding process, but it can also be overwhelming and stressful, especially for first-time buyers. From understanding your needs and budget to conducting due diligence and considering relevant costs and taxes, there are many factors to consider when buying a property. In this article, we will provide guidance and practical advice to help you navigate the process of buying property in Cyprus, from a legal perspective……

From Copyright to Crypto: How NFTs are Reshaping Intellectual Property Law

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Introduction

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have revolutionised the way we establish ownership of digital and tangible assets. Though they have been around since 2017, NFTs have recently gained massive popularity, with sales skyrocketing to nearly $25 billion in 2021 alone. With such enormous sums being invested in the NFT market, it is essential for buyers to understand the nature of their purchase and the rights that come with it. This article will delve into the topic of intellectual property rights, specifically copyrights and trademarks, and their implications for the NFT industry…..

Overview of trademark protection in Cyprus

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What is a trademark

A trademark is a unique mark by which a business carries out its activities and by which it identifies and differentiates its products and/or services from those of the competition. The aim of a trademark is to demonstrate the source of the company’s products and/or services and gradually consolidate it, imprinting in the consumer’s memory the existence of the company. In simple words, a trademark is an identification of the source of goods or services…