UCL launches Institute of Brand and Innovation Law

The legal regulation of comparative advertising, the prospects for a single patent covering all EU states and whether repatenting known substances for alternative uses causes more harm than good are among the themes to be discussed at a seminar being held today (3 June) at UCL (University College London) to mark the launch of its new Institute of Brand and Innovation Law (IBIL).

Over 300 practitioners, academics and government representatives have registered to attend the seminar on Tuesday 3 June, and media representatives who register are also welcome.

IBIL has been established to reflect UCL's strategy of expanding its activity in the field of intellectual property law. It will build bridges between academics, practitioners, the industry, the judiciary, policy makers and the student community worldwide through hosting events which combine critical analysis with practical relevance and through producing high-quality research of real-world significance.

IBIL is headed by Professor Sir Hugh Laddie QC, Chair of IP, formerly judge at the High Court.

Speakers and sessions at the launch event, to be chaired by Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury, include:

· 'A boom with no Bubble? - the "O2 Holdings" case and comparative advertising,' Geoffrey Hobbs QC, Barrister, One Essex Court Chambers;

· 'A Community Patent, the ePLa or nothing? - a view from the negotiating table,' Robin Stout, Head of EU Policy, the UK Intellectual Property Office;

· 'Claims limited by use - more harm than good? - the judgment in Actavis and the decision in Mobil/friction reducing additive,' The Rt. Hon. Lord Justice Jacob;

· Copyright harmonisation: the winners and the losers - an examination of the direction of EU harmonisation in the copyright field,' Dr Tilman Lüeder, Head of Copyright and Knowledge-based Economy Unit, DG Internal Market, European Commission.

Notes for Editors

1. For more information, to request interviews or to register attendance, please contact Dominique Fourniol on +44 (0)20 7679 9728, mobile [+44 (0) 7766 601 350, e-mail d.fourniol@ucl.ac.uk .