Events

Valid priority claims are key to patent validity. Unfortunately, claiming priority is often taken for granted. Sometimes, applicants do not take proper steps to ensure ownership and transfer of the right of priority, both of which are critical for a valid priority claim. To avoid pitfalls in transfers of the right of priority, practitioners should keep in mind that different countries may have different legal requirements.

The battle between Mattel, the makers of the iconic Barbie doll, and MGA, the company that created the Bratz dolls, did not just feature a decade-long trial over an incredibly successful toy, but a war over who owns ideas.