PATENTS, TRADE MARKS AND DESIGNS
WE HELP INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES OF ALL shapes and SIZES
Schlich is a unique team of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys based in the South of England. Since 2004, we’ve helped our clients acquire, and defend, their IP assets, helping them to build and grow successful businesses based on their IP assets.
We draft and file patent applications, get them granted and enforce them. We also prepare and file trade mark applications and prosecute them to registration.
To enforce our clients’ rights, we also represent them in court and other inter partes proceedings (and, where necessary, attack and remove competitors’ rights).
Recent Insights
Read the latest news and briefings from the team at Schlich about real cases involving patents, trade marks and designs.
G 1/26: The EPO’s Unfinished Business on Claim Interpretation
Following G 1/24, which held that the description must always be consulted when interpreting claims for patentability, a new referral to the Enlarged Board of Appeal - G 1/26 - asks whether that same approach applies more broadly, including to added matter, and whether the description can go beyond merely explaining claim terms to actually influence their meaning.
Watch Out for Bad Faith – Breitling for Women
The recent dispute between Iron & Smith Kft. and Breitling SA at the EUIPO Court of Appeal serves as a further example of how bad faith can be relied upon a ground for invalidity.
From EPO to UPC: The Lasting Impact of Prosecution on Claim Interpretation
The UPC continues to develop its approach to claim interpretation, particularly regarding the role of Patentee’s statements made during prosecution. A recent decision from the Milan Local Division in Agathon v. Intercom and Knarr offers insight into how the UPC treats such statements when construing patent claims.
By Touatis! “Obelix®” Has A Reputation
Asterix® and his best friend Obelix® are, of course, indomitable. Furthermore, Obelix’s name has a reputation across the European Union (EU) as confirmed by the EU General Court in case T‑24/25.
First UPC Referral to the CJEU: Just How Long is the Long-Arm Jurisdiction of the UPC?
In its first ever referral to the CJEU, the UPC seeks clarification over its jurisdiction to decide on infringement of European patents in EU Member States that chose not to sign up to the UPC Agreement.
Sequence Identity Claims After T 0137/24: How Broad Is Too Broad?
The recent Board of Appeal decision in T 0137/24 provides useful guidance on how sequence identity claims are assessed under the EPC, particularly in relation to added matter and sufficiency.
Claim interpretation at the EPO: Another Decision uses the description to broaden the claim scope
In this case, the Board of Appeal (BOA) considered the description to have a significant influence on claim interpretation, with the potential to both narrow and broaden the scope of the claims. This raises important questions on how description amendments may negatively affect claim interpretation post grant.
Tang Gold for Asda
Court decisions relating to plant breeders’ rights are rare. This case gives an insight into how the legislation governing this aspect of intellectual property (i.e. the Plant Varieties Act 1997) will be applied.
EXCELLENCE IN PATENT AND TRADE MARK LAW
The Schlich Team
Our clients expect and receive a responsive, friendly, high quality and great value service thanks to our experienced professionals. Our UK and European Patent Attorneys and Chartered Trade Mark Attorneys have a broad range of scientific and technical degrees and Ph.Ds from top UK Universities, and have decades of experience advising at cutting edge of legal and commercial issues and technologies.
We build on our deep experience of prosecution and inter partes proceedings to give the best strategic and practical advice, and to secure the best patent and trade mark protection for our clients’ innovations. Our team does this efficiently, and in a friendly and clear manner, supported by a wider team of highly skilled and experienced legal support staff.
Latest Firm News
Schlich listed as one of Financial Times’ Leading Patent Law Firms in Europe for 2026
We are delighted to report that Schlich has, once again, been included in the Financial Time’s Europe’s Leading Patent Law Firms rankings for 2026.
Schlich recognised in IAM Patent 1000 rankings for 2026
We are pleased to announce that Schlich has once again been recognised in the IAM Patent 1000 rankings, for patent prosecution in the United Kingdom.
Schlich’s 2026 Reception Aboard the Golden Hinde
On Sunday, 3 May 2026 we were delighted to host our 2026 Schlich Reception, welcoming our clients, colleagues and friends from all around the world London.
