Blogs by channel: National
Leaked documents give insight into potential overhaul of European trademark environment
European Union -
Almost two years after the Max Planck Institute published its Study on the Overall Functioning of the European Trademark System, details of proposed changes to the European framework are emerging. According to the latest draft documents obtained by WTR, a re-named OHIM, lower fees and the introduction of European certification marks are all on the cards.
Posted by Trevor Little, on Feb 12 2013 (1 comment)
Are specimens of use assessments fit for purpose?
United States -
In its efforts to acquire – and resurrect – expired trademarks, a California-based company is calling for reform of the USPTO’s handling of specimens of use. Is the system really broken or do current processes strike the right balance between trust and suspicion?
Posted by Trevor Little, on Jan 30 2013
It’s not easy being green as USPTO takes tougher line on eco-friendly claims
United States -
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has revised its guidelines on marketing environmentally friendly products and services. While the FTC rulebook will help the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) to combat applicants attempting to mislead consumers, brand owners with genuine green claims will also have to be mindful of the shift in examination practice.
Posted by Jack Ellis, on Oct 09 2012
South Korea welcomes western brands, although pitfalls remain
Korea -
A new report from Thomson Reuters has underlined the opportunities for international brands in South Korea. The fourth largest economy in Asia has a wide and brand-focused customer base; meanwhile the recent Free Trade Agreement with the United States has opened the country up further for western brands. However, pitfalls remain for trademark owners who do not prepare properly for entering the Korean marketplace.
Posted by Helen Sloan, on Jun 27 2012
New opportunities for brands as the Philippines joins the Madrid Protocol
Philippines -
The Filipino IP Office (IPOPHL) announced last week that the Philippines has joined the Madrid Protocol - the 85th country to sign up to the agreement. According to IPOPHL, accession to the protocol will help to make the Philippines globally competitive and ease costs for Filipino companies doing business overseas.
Posted by Helen Sloan, on Jun 01 2012
Shared platform at INTA points to progress on OHIM strategic initiatives
International -
WTR previously reported on OHIM’s plans to make IP protection more accessible to business. At this year’s INTA conference some of the first fruits of those efforts are on display and, for the first time, OHIM is exhibiting at INTA as part of the European Trade Mark and Design Network, a collaboration between Alicante and national IP offices aimed at converging practice and the user experience across Europe.
Posted by Jack Ellis, on May 07 2012
Trademark training boost as Singapore’s IP Academy unveils future plans
Singapore -
Singapore’s IP Academy has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering top class trademark training as it becomes part of the IP Office of Singapore, with a dedicated trademarks programme planned for later this year. The restructuring at the Academy is the latest step in Singapore’s plan to establish itself as the IP hub of the region.
Posted by Helen Sloan, on Apr 11 2012
How China has accelerated its registration process
China -
One of the challenges for brand owners in registering their marks in China has been obtaining speedy protection. While some jurisdictions are still struggling to reduce turnaround times, China has stepped up to the plate and offers some useful lessons on the value of leadership.
Posted by Helen Sloan, on Jan 11 2012
AG opinion in IP TRANSLATOR: OHIM’s class heading approach is wrong
European Union -
Advocate General Bot has delivered an opinion in the IP TRANSLATOR case that invalidates OHIM Communication 4/03 regarding class headings. The communication, issued in 2003, supports the ‘class-heading-covers-all’ approach to registration; however the advocate general said today that this approach does not offer sufficient clarity.
Posted by Helen Sloan, on Nov 29 2011
Cadbury’s colour victory and its best practice pointers
United Kingdom -
UK IP law will allow for some variation on a single colour mark, but public perception remains key to establishing distinctiveness and claiming ownership. At least, that’s the takeaway following Cadbury’s victory over Nestlé in its claim to the colour purple for chocolate.
Posted by Jane Denny, on Nov 17 2011
