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A joint operation, codenamed DIABOLO II, conducted by customs authorities from 13 Asian countries and 27 EU Member States has led to the seizure of more than 65 million counterfeit cigarettes and nearly 400.000 other counterfeit items such as shoes, toys, cameras etc. of over 20 different Trade Marks.  The excellent success of this operation was the result of the effective work involving the OLAF (European Anti -Fraud Office) with the support of EUROPOL and INTERPOL.
The operation also resulted in further international investigations into criminal activities, reporting that 89 individuals or companies involved in criminal organizations were identified.
Although  the results and experiences of Diabolo II will be discussed at further forums, it has been demonstrated the importance of working in cooperation involving  joint customs officials  in order to obtain an effective response to the problem of piracy.

GENOMA ESPAÑA the Spanish Foundation for Research Development in Genomics and Proteomics, has included ABRIL ABOGADOS  among the firms selected for contracting services related to the management of  Intellectual Property portfolio.

The London Agreement regarding the new conditions in validations for European Patents is due to come into force on May 1st, 2.008, and will apply to all states which have both ratified it and deposited their instruments of ratification.

The Agreement will make patenting in Europe cheaper by reducing post-grant translation costs. European Patents may be granted in one of the three official languages of the EPO, namely English, German and French. A full translation of the claims will continue to be required in these countries which are not party of the London Agreement, Spain among others.

APPLE request the registration of the design of its MP3 reproducer iPod Nano before the OHIM. Apple arged thet the Spanish Sports Newspaper "AS" was offering to its readers a MP3 reproducer which was substantially identical to the RCD. The judge found that the Regulation did not require teht there was identity between the protected design and the infringing goods to declare the infringement, since the comparison has to be make on the whole.

L´OREAL sought a declaration of infringement and an order refraining the defendant form using its RCD for an ayalash curler. The judge found that due to the identical number of parts, distribution, configuration and shape of the curler, the overall impression produced was highly similar to the RCD. The defendant was ordered to withdraw the infringinn goods and to pay 43.128,00 euros in damages to L´OREAL.

The anual pubblication that every year analises the legal sector in every EU countries, one more year recomends Abril Abogados as one of the most importants firms in the field of IP.

Moreover, highlights the fastest-growing of the New Technologies and Data protection Departments placing our office amongst the seven recommended firms.

rmed with the “small firm advantage of being able to truly know and understand the client,” this young newcomer enters Chambers’ tables on the strength of enthusiastic market feedback. Formed in 2001, the firm provides an integrated IP service, handling both filing and litigation. Sources say: “The team does its homework, and always comes prepared with a great selection of options - and best of all, the lawyers don’t charge you for every last thought.”  Ignacio Temiño heads the department and is lauded for his “swift and well-judged actions which always resolve the problem without complicating matters.”