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Siemens’ controversial coal mine contract has put brand at risk of greenwashing accusations

The German conglomerate has portrayed itself as a steward of sustainability, but when it comes to corporate social responsibility, it’s an all or nothing game as this week’s coal mine contract backlash illustrates.

Siemens’ controversial coal mine contract has put brand at risk of greenwashing accusations
17 Jan 2020

KIPO urges idol IP protection, Extinction Rebellion brand headache, and CCFN praises US-China deal: news digest 

In our latest round-up, we look at a Love Island star being reprimanded due to an Instagram post, the theme for World IP Day 2020, the Chilean IP office being praised for a reduction in the gender gap, and much more.

17 Jan 2020

R&D investor study finds benchmarking, not multi-dimensional portfolios, a key factor in market value

A study of corporate R&D investors has found that while some companies place significant value on IP portfolios that include a combination of rights, markets grant higher premiums to those that are more innovative than their competitors.

Featured

20 Jan
2020

BBC recovers its TOP GEAR trademark after two-year battle

The Russian Intellectual Property Court has overturned its earlier decision in a case involving the invalidation of the British Broadcasting Corporation’s TOP GEAR trademark. Read more

20 Jan
2020

Nivea - recognise the blue?

The dispute between Unilever and Beiersdorf over the latter’s abstract colour mark for its ‘Nivea Blue’, which lasted for over a decade, has finally come to an end. Read more

19 Jan
2020

USPTO clarifies PO box rules, new IP service provider prepares for full launch, Chile IP office suffers attack, analysis of Siemens’ trademark portfolio, and much more.

Everything we covered on WTR over the past seven days – and all you need to know from the world of trademarks to set yourself up for the start of another busy week. Read more

Most read

1

Social responsibility of brands and protection of well-known trademarks in Angola

2

Risks for Sussex Royal: unauthorised EU trademark application targets Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

3

USPTO to re-allow PO boxes on trademark applications following privacy backlash

4

Amazon law enforcement data pledge, Muji trademark blow, and Lazada IP takedown stats: news digest

5

US-China trade deal: the brand protection perspective

News

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16 Jan 2020

US-China trade deal: the brand protection perspective

WTR presents the key IP and anti-counterfeiting pledges that rights holders should be aware of from the major new trade deal signed between the United States and China. Read more

16 Jan 2020

Participate in the 2020 Global Benchmarking Survey to be in with your chance to win a place at a WTR event

WTR is inviting trademark professionals across the globe to participate in our annual Global Trademark Benchmarking Survey. All participants will be entered into a draw to win one of five free places at an upcoming WTR event. Read more

14 Jan 2020

Amazon law enforcement data pledge, Muji trademark blow, and Lazada IP takedown stats: news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at Italian football club Fiorentina taking the lead in blockchain anti-counterfeiting, a SUSSEX ROYAL application being filed at the USPTO, the EUIPO launching its annual user satisfaction survey, and much more. Read more

14 Jan 2020

“We will overcome this painful moment” – Chilean IP office recovers after protesters attack headquarters

The Intellectual Property Office of Chile (INAPI) has re-opened to customers after its headquarters suffered devastating damage from protesters. We talk with the registry's national director on its ongoing recovery efforts. Read more

Analysis

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16 Jan 2020

How the amicus briefs could sway the US Supreme Court in anticipated ‘booking.com’ ruling

Three amicus curiae briefs have been delivered to the US Supreme Court ahead of its long-anticipated ruling in USPTO v Booking.com. WTR spoke to two experts to see how these briefs may influence the United States' highest court. Read more

16 Jan 2020

Extinction Rebellion’s terror group classification shines spotlight on brand relationships with causes

Although the listing was only temporary for Extinction Rebellion, the incident serves as a reminder of the nuances that come into play when a brand aligns with political movements. Read more

15 Jan 2020

What rights holders need to know about WeChat’s plans for the future

Last week in Guangzhou, Tencent hosted its 2020 WeChat Open Class Pro event, in which it provided a glimpse into the platform’s future plans, many of which are important for brand protection professionals to know. Read more

15 Jan 2020

Analysis and takeaways as defence preclusion is considered in US Supreme Court hearing

In this guest analysis, K&L Gates partner Susan Kayser charts the decades-long trademark dispute between Lucky Brand Dungarees and Marcel Fashions Group that led up to the highest US court accepting certiorari for the case. Read more

Legal updates

17 Jan 2020

Is RING distinctive for doorbells and motion sensors?

In a blow to Amazon Technologies Inc, the EU General Court has confirmed that the figurative mark RING was descriptive in relation to doorbells, motion sensors and monitoring equipment. Read more

17 Jan 2020

‘Lotso’ more than non-exclusive licensor-licensee relationship needed for personal jurisdiction  

In Diece-Lisa Industries Inc v Disney Enterprises Inc, the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has held that jurisdiction over the licensees does not extend personal jurisdiction to the licensor where the latter has no additional contacts with the forum. Read more

16 Jan 2020

Changes to customs enforcement of IP rights - key points highlighted

The amendments to Ukraine’s Customs Code related to customs enforcement of IP rights entered into force on 14 November 2019. The amending law, which is modelled after Regulation 608/2013, aims to bring Ukrainian legislation into line with EU standards. Read more

16 Jan 2020

IP Office overturns problematic lower-instance decision on recognition of English-language terms

In a victory for US media company Discovery Communications LLC, the Ecuadorian IP Office has overturned its prior finding that the English terms ‘animal’ and ‘planet’ would not be easily understood by the general Ecuadorian public.   Read more

15 Jan 2020

General Court confirms lack of likelihood of confusion between CRYSTAL and CRISTAL

In Super bock group v EUIPO, the EU General Court has confirmed that there was no likelihood of confusion between the mark CRYSTAL for non-alcoholic beverages and foodstuffs in Class 30 and the earlier Portuguese mark CRISTAL for beer in Class 32. Read more

Insight

27 Dec 2019

Everywhere you look: IP rights and other FMCG challenges

Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) are everywhere, so it comes as no surprise that FMCG brands face challenges across jurisdictions. A closer look at the Chinese regime highlights some of the particular issues that rights holders face in this market. Read more

26 Dec 2019

EU regulations smooth the way for FMCG labelling rules

The publication of the EU Regulation on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers has created a bridge between EU labelling rules and the introduction of new obligations to meet the growing demands of the most discerning customers of fast-moving consumer goods. Read more

24 Dec 2019

Clearing the market of FMCG counterfeits

Russia’s fast-moving consumer goods market is growing thanks to increasing consumption and accelerated competition between manufacturers and retailers. Players in the market should consider IP protection, advertising and unfair competition when building an effective enforcement strategy. Read more

23 Dec 2019

Fast-moving change for FMCG industry: how to protect and enforce your IP rights

Changes in consumer preference and behaviour have transformed the fast-moving consumer goods industry. IP rights are fundamental to the success strategy of any consumer goods company, enabling brand owners to protect their brands and consumers from imitations. Read more

Events

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28 January
2020
Latest

Managing Trademark Assets Europe 2020

WTR’s Managing Trademark Assets Europe will bring together trademark counsel and brand experts from a variety of industries. It will provide a space in which to benefit from new insights, discuss best practice and share cutting-edge strategies for cost-effectively building and protecting brands.

3 March
2020
Latest

Managing Trademark Assets USA 2020

In its fifth year, WTR’s Managing Trademark Assets USA returns to Chicago, playing host to senior trademark experts as they look to explore solutions to the significant challenges and risks faced as portfolios grow in strength and visibility.

4 March
2020
Latest

Brand Protection Online USA 2020

Returning to Chicago after a sell-out inaugural event in 2019, WTR’s Brand Protection Online will play host to senior experts from the world’s leading brands and provide a unique forum for in-house counsel to discuss the challenges, opportunities and risks being faced as online and technological environments continue to evolve.

Data centre

Research projects tracking the latest market trends for trademark professionals.

Thought leadership

World Trademark Review offers an extensive range of special reports.

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Our unique and timely intelligence service informs commercial trademark decision making in boardrooms globally by translating trademark law into business sense.

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