Latest blogs
Addressing the patent backlog critical to the efficient running of the USPTO
International - WTR ventured into the patent world today to attend the launch of new research into the economic cost of patent backlogs. The study presented a bleak picture with regard to the global backlog of patent applications, yet efforts to address the problem should be closely followed by trademark professionals. Read blogTrevor Little | March 10 2010
Should brand owners really ignore the threat of cybersquatters?
International - The battle between the interests of domainers and trademark professionals continues with the publication of a new study claiming that Fortune 100 companies have not registered many of their trademarks in recently created generic top-level domains. Read blogTrevor Little | March 09 2010
Tove Graulund’s Zacco departure illustrates challenges still ahead
Denmark - A reminder that the industry is still feeling the impact of the global economic crisis came this week with the news that Tove Graulund, former chair of MARQUES, has left her position as director of trademarks at European firm Zacco. Read blogTrevor Little | March 08 2010
Updates and analysis
Country correspondent - Well-known and famous marks
Brazil - A recent decision has affirmed the principle that famous marks which receive recognition as highly reputed marks following the BPTO procedure deserve protection in all fields of activity, regardless of the possibility of confusion. Full text
University granted significant leverage for exploitation of letter combination ![[premium]](/images/rounds/premium.png)
United States - The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has affirmed a decision of the TTAB refusing registration of the University of South Carolina’s SC design mark and granting summary judgment in favour of the University of Southern California. The TTAB had also denied a counterclaim cancellation action attempting to cancel the University of Southern California’s registration for its standard character SC mark. Full text
Country correspondent - Pharmaceutical trademarks
Denmark - As with all EU member states, Denmark tightly regulates the use of pharmaceutical trademarks. This analysis examines how Denmark has aligned itself with the EU model. Full text
Single character found to differentiate marks
European Union - In V&S Vin & Sprit Aktiebolag v Intershoe Inc, the Opposition Division of OHIM has held that there was no likelihood of confusion between the trademarks V&S and VS. Among other things, the Opposition Division found that the difference between the marks - the symbol '&' - would be perceived by consumers given the short length of the marks. Full text
Featured partner
MARQUES
MARQUES, which was founded in 1987, is the association of European trademark owners.
MARQUES represents trademark owners’ interests before the relevant EU and other international bodies in all relevant areas. It also organizes networking and educational events and promotes communication between brand owners in Europe.
The MARQUES website provides a wide range of information and general IP resources of use to both trademark owners and legal practitioners.
