Intellectual Property Matters hitting the headlines

Nice agreement to apply to Jersey

The Nice Agreement Concerning the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks (the Nice Agreement) establishes a standardised system for classifying goods and services for trade mark registration purposes and is used in more than 90 countries worldwide.

Following a declaration issued on 11 May 2026 by the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), it has been confirmed that the Nice Agreement will apply to the Bailiwick of Jersey with effect from 11 August 2026. This follows the United Kingdom’s extension of its ratification of the Nice Agreement to include the territory.

Jersey’s adoption of the Nice Agreement forms part of a broader programme of legislative reform aimed at extending the application of key international intellectual property treaties to the territory, including the Madrid Protocol, the Patent Cooperation Treaty, and the Geneva Act (1999) of the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs. These reforms are intended to modernise Jersey’s intellectual property legal framework and streamline the process for protecting intellectual property in Jersey through well-established international systems.

Major publishers sue AI-linked digital library over copyright infringement

More than a dozen publishers, including the “Big Five” publishing houses, have launched a substantial copyright infringement claim against online platform WeLib. The claim alleges that the platform hosts millions of pirated books and academic papers and has facilitated access to content for AI training purposes. The case is another example of the increasing collision between copyright law and generative AI development.

Global crackdown on counterfeit FIFA World Cup merchandise

With the FIFA World Cup underway, enforcement authorities worldwide have intensified action against counterfeit merchandise. Recent seizures include more than $6 million of fake FIFA-branded goods in Houston and a $20 million haul of counterfeit products in Hong Kong. The story highlights the continued importance of trade mark enforcement, border measures and anti-counterfeiting strategies for consumer-facing brands.

UK IPO launches new digital patent filing and management platform

The UK Intellectual Property Office has launched a new suite of digital patent services under its “One IPO” transformation programme. Businesses can now apply for, manage and renew patents through a single account-based system. For in-house legal teams and IP professionals, this represents a significant modernisation of UK patent administration and signals broader digital reform across UK IP rights.

UK Government targets counterfeits in the booming second-hand fashion market

The UK IPO has issued new guidance to help consumers identify counterfeit products sold through resale platforms, following research showing that one in four second-hand fashion buyers unknowingly purchased a fake item. The move reflects growing concern about infringement risks in the rapidly expanding “pre-loved” retail sector and may increase expectations on online marketplaces to strengthen authentication measures.