The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics honors John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis for pioneering work related to quantum tunneling. Energy quantization in superconducting circuits is one of the foundation for quantum computing based on superconducting qubits. As someone who worked on theoretical aspects of macroscopic quantum coherence and quantum computing during my PhD and postdoc, I am amazed at how quickly the field has evolved.
G 2/24 – intervener in appeal proceedings
As reported by the EPO in a Press Communiqué of 25 September 2025, the Enlarged Board of Appeal has rendered decision G 2/24 (“Skin cleanser”) that relates to the procedural status of an intervener in opposition appeal proceedings.
The Enlarged Board confirmed its previous decision G 3/04 and concluded that, after withdrawal of all appeals, appeal proceedings may not be continued with a third party who intervened only during the appeal proceedings (see the EPO’s Press Communiqué of 25 September 2025).
Season lights in Munich
Munich’s christmas markets are nicely decorated. The decoration at the Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Pagoda) illustrates how much is to be gained by bringing the best from several cultures together.
Santa-related Intellectual Property
The German Patent and Trademark Office provides a nice collection of season-related IP rights: “Santa Claus patents, brands, designs“.
Wishing you all a wonderful christmas!
Christmas-season innovations
Seen in the Upper Palatinate when visiting my parents (also for Christmas preparations, but without convertible).
Holiday Season & IP
There is a plethora of IP rights related to the holiday season. The EUIPO has featured various designs related to the holiday season. There are also numerous patents related to christmas-specific topics, such as US 5 161 882 A for those who are confronted with the challenge of organizing their christmas lighting. Great reminder on what can be protected for an idea to kick of. Happy holidays everyone!
Blog section
I am planning to write regularly on IP topics that I find interesting. I will strive to make German-language content accessible to English-speaking IP professionals (e.g., by providing translations of catchphrases of IP-related court decisions).