Brand misuse on OpenSea; Banksy dispute update; EUIPO NFT approach; 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 Long Read
A landmark ruling could turn the tide against trademark hijackers in China.
Monday 11 July
Continuing a long-running dispute, street artist Banksy faces greeting card retailer Full Colour Black in two Australian oppositions.
The EUIPO confirms its approach to NFT-related applications amid a spike in filings.
Plus:
- Kazakhstan amends several IP laws; introduces GI protection (Kazakhstan)
- It’s a match: IPEC holds that MUZMATCH infringes MATCH.COM (United Kingdom)
Tuesday 12 July
The IP Office of the Philippines looks to the future, Madrid fees are adjusted in various regions, the Buy Safe America Coalition issues a new warning, and much more.
The UK government outlines plans to simplify the country’s design system, following a recent call for feedback.
Plus:
- UDRP respondent skilfully shows unbroken chain of possession (International)
- CHEF LINE: descriptive or suggestive? (Israel)
Wednesday 13 July
The China Quality Brands Protection Committee’s top 10 cases highlight new methods of calculating damages and compensation, and increased cooperation between authorities and businesses.
After NBCUniversal challenges a US trademark for DUNDER MIFFLIN, the applicant hits back at what he calls “puffed-up claims”.
Plus:
- Verisure’s ZEROVISION mark found to be descriptive for smoke machines and security systems (Norway)
- MADE IN NATURE v NATURE MADE: a primer on practice at the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (United States)
Thursday 14 July
Experts at Corrs Chambers Westgarth assess the reputational risks of brand jamming.
Unauthorised brand use on OpenSea remains widespread as more NFT marketplaces launch, a WTR investigation finds.
Plus:
- Madrid Protocol enters into force in Chile (Chile)
- Appeal court awards Rmb10 million in damages in civil case (China)
- New industrial property law proposal aims to reduce trademark procedure timelines (Market Insight: Poland)
- Questions remain regarding the registration of trademarks in the metaverse (Market Insight: Taiwan)
- TÜRKPATENT now a participating office in WIPO’s Digital Access Service (Market Insight: Turkey)
- The Ohio State University wins trademark protection for THE (Market Insight: United States)
Friday 15 July
We go behind the scenes at domain name registrar EnCirca, to learn about its new tool to track trademarks in alternative domain roots.
Gleiss Lutz heads to the metaverse, the UK Intellectual Property Office announces an interim head, a Love Island counterfeit jibe goes viral, and much more.
IP Australia posts new information on how the government's sanctions against Russia and Belarus could impact trademark owners.
Plus:
- All’s fair in LUV (INJECTION) and war (?) (United Kingdom)
- A soda shake-up: Federal Circuit rules against Coca-Cola (United States)
Saturday 16 July
A growing demand for sustainable products could signal the end of fast fashion, but brands must tread carefully as they adapt, argues this week's opinion.
WTR Special Report: a data deep dive into the trademark landscape
WTR’s latest Special Report presents a data deep dive into the trademark landscape – revealing the biggest portfolio owners, insight from our annual benchmarking survey and US litigation patterns.