Applications from China on downward trend; JT International interview; Swiss enforcement; 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.
The nominations window for the WTR Industry Awards 2022 and next edition of WTR 300: The World’s Leading Corporate Trademark Professionals is now open. Act now to ensure that the critical work undertaken by corporate trademark professionals receives the recognition that it deserves.
Monday 18 October
We sat down with former INTA president and JT International IP, trademark and design director Ronald van Tuijl to learn how tobacco brands are evolving in the face of consumer health concerns and new regulations.
The Buy Safe America Coalition has published a scathing new study revealing “the devastating impact of the sale of fraudulent goods” on US consumers, businesses and the economy as a whole.
In an exclusive guest post, Dickinson Wright partner Sanjukta Tole and associate Dan Poliwoda dived into the latest developments of the Canadian Trademarks Act.
Plus:
- Introduction of utility model patents - advantages and concerns (Nigeria)
- Porto v Portwo Gin: General Court considers concepts of ‘use’ and ‘exploitation’ of a PDO (European Union)
Tuesday 19 October
In an exclusive guest post, it was revealed that US trademark filings could see the first decline in over a decade – and the reason for the unexpected fall could be a concern for the wider economic condition.
Swiss Enforcement managing director David Stärkle revealed why the Iceland v Iceland dispute dispute at the EUIPO is important for the broader trademark ecosystem.
Digital stamps help tackle fakes in Tanzania, brands warned of marketing activism and INTA filed an amicus brief in our Tuesday round-up.
Plus:
- Unearthed truth: lack of evidence from complainant means success for respondent (International)
- HELIOS v HEALIOS: General Court considers likelihood of confusion in the medical field (European Union)
Wednesday 20 October
Trademark applications from China are on downward trend around the world, with data analysis suggesting that political factors are likely responsible for change in filing patterns.
A new research paper has analysed the removal of the disparagement provision at the USPTO following the Supreme Court’s groundbreaking Matal v Tam ruling.
Plus:
- Commercial Court issues significant decision on fake car parts (Serbia)
- Federal Supreme Court holds that shape of Nespresso capsules is technically necessary (Switzerland)
Thursday 21 October
In an exclusive guest post, experts at Gowling look at how brand owners are fighting back against pandemic opportunists.
In our latest covid update, the Chilean IP Office reactivated various procedures that were suspended due to the pandemic.
Plus:
- Federal Court rules that the variation of a plaintiff’s registered mark is not a remedy in an infringement action (Malaysia)
- Earlier rights in the UK: validity in pending proceedings after UK withdrawal from EU (UK)
- Swiss authorities relax examination practices for trademarks featuring a place name (International report: Switzerland)
- Brand issues set to take centre stage at ICANN 72 meeting (International report: USA)
Friday 22 October
The pandemic’s delayed impact on the trademark landscape was the focus of our latest data analysis, with surprising figures showing that 2021 may see a drop in filing activity in some jurisdictions.
Nauru opening a trademark office and Facebook planning a rebrand featured in our news round-up.
Plus:
- Grand Board of Appeal’s failure to examine pleaded ground of invalidity leads to annulment of its decision (European Union)
- Further blow for Crocs as 3D trademark registration is declared void on appeal (Dominican Republic)
Saturday 23 October
With a petition set for the International Criminal Court, it is about time the dangers of counterfeit goods are placed among the list of crimes against humanity, argued our Saturday opinion.
WTR Special Report: Managing the brand balance sheet
WTR’s latest Special Report explores the financial treatment of brands and considers how trademark professionals can carve out a new role when servicing clients.