Welcome to the July 2025 edition of IP Five in 5, your quick-hit briefing on the top IP developments from around the world. This summer brought notable rulings, policy changes, and AI-powered innovations in patent and trademark systems—from Europe’s stance on machine inventors to sweeping enforcement and fast-track initiatives in China. Here are the five key stories shaping the global IP landscape.
Swiss Court Affirms Human Inventors Only
On June 26, the Swiss Federal Administrative Court ruled that AI systems (e.g., DABUS) cannot legally be recognized as inventors in patent applications. Only natural persons may be credited, though AI-generated inventions can still be patented under a human applicant.
CNIPA Enforcement and AI to Assist Examiners
On June 27, China’s National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) cracked down on 35 IP firms implicated in improper filings under its “Blue Sky” campaign. Enforcement actions included license revocations and business suspensions. Simultaneously, CNIPA announced plans to deploy AI tools to assist patent examiners, enhancing prior-art searches and examination consistency, though AI will not render final decisions yet.
WIPO Assemblies Feature Record Participation and U.S. Remarks
Between July 8–17, 2025, over 1,600 delegates—including 40+ ministers and nearly 100 IP office heads—attended the 66th WIPO General Assemblies in Geneva—making it the largest ever gathering of the global IP community. In opening remarks, Acting USPTO Director Coke Morgan Stewart emphasized the importance of ensuring WIPO’s systems, including PCT and Madrid registrations, remain efficient, cost‑effective, and financially sustainable.
USPTO Launches DesignVision—AI Tool for Design Patent Examination
On July 17, 2025, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office unveiled DesignVision, the agency’s first AI-powered image-search tool for design patent examiners. Integrated into the PE2E search suite, DesignVision allows centralized searching of U.S. and foreign design collections using image inputs. The tool enhances similarity-based search across over 80 global design and trademark databases—streamlining prior art reviews and helping reduce examination pendency.
China Launches Trademark Fast‑Track for Strategic Industries
On July 18, CNIPA introduced revised Measures for Expedited Trademark Examination. Eligible applications—typically linked to priority sectors like quantum tech, biomanufacturing, and future industries—can now be reviewed within 20 working days. However, the program requires government endorsement, limiting accessibility for foreign filers.
From rising AI integration to evolving global frameworks, July delivered a wave of impactful changes for IP professionals to monitor. As AI tools become embedded in examination workflows and national offices pursue greater efficiency and compliance, staying informed is more essential than ever. Be sure to follow us for future updates as the IP world continues to evolve.
