One of the lesser known aspects of intellectual property is that under the Budapest Treaty, to obtain patents for microorganisms and the like, it is necessary to deposit a culture in an international depositary.
Apparently these depositaries have been rebranding themselves in a way reminiscent of the way that national patent offices have become agencies, and have chosen new logos.
Henceforth, the Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zelkulturen GmbH (DSMZ for short), is to be known as the Leibniz Institut DMNZ - Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zelkulturen GmbH.
Wannabee patent attorneys that may have trouble remembering the official German name in their oral exams, will be relieved to know that there is an official English name, as follows: Leibnitz Institute DSMZ – German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures.
I think that the English name is much friendlier. It invokes collecting and culture – well sort of.
There is , however an alternative with a much easier to remember name – the IPOD, an acronym for the International Patent Organism Depositary, which is in Japan. I am afraid I cannot reproduce the official Japanese name.
One wonders if Apple will litigate against such a blatant attempt to free-ride on their similar sounding storage facility?
Michael, I do so enjoy your witty and informative blog, but , especially of late, you seem to be concentrating on Trademark and “soft” IP issues. How about some hardcore perspicacity on patenticity ? I’m sure your comments will be written with lucidity and welcomed with felicity.
Good Shabos,
Joe Wyse
Joe,
I write about my changing interests over time, and Israel court and patent office decisions. There haven’t been much of patent- interest recently.
I think the America Invents Act is less than substantive.
On the other hand, I’ve read and will blog on some nice copyright books shortly.
If you think I’ve missed a story of importance, please formwards to me.
Michael