Brand restrictions; solicitation campaigns; media law firm filers; legislation updates; 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.

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Long Read

INTA's Brand Restriction Committee examines the growing number of industries affected by brand restrictions – and the steps the association is taking to engage with policymakers.

Monday 13 November

Ming Zhong of NTD Intellectual Property Attorneys outlines three things you need to know about changes to the Chinese Civil Procedure Law.

We head to Portugal for guidance from brand protection officers on the front line.

Plus:

• CNIPA recognises distinctiveness of Tommy Hilfiger’s ‘TH’ interlocking pattern (China)
• BICC disappointment in passing-off dispute: IPEC examines chain of title, goodwill and ‘folk memory’ (United Kingdom)

Tuesday 14 November

A WTR investigation raises concerns over trademark-related solicitation campaigns targeting applicants in the United Kingdom.

Gucci launches a metaverse exhibition, Walmart and Vans settle their long-running lawsuit, INTA announces an Unreal Campaign Week, and more.

Plus:

• Tesla fails to establish earlier unregistered rights in GIGABIER (European Union)
• Targeting is essential for a transfer under the UDRP (International)

Wednesday 15 November

IP Australia is lauded for its inclusivity approach while Italy holds its Anti-counterfeiting Week, in the latest IP office updates.

AI-generated replica likenesses come under scrutiny and the European Union publishes its new GI regulation in this month’s legislation and policy watch.

Plus:  

• Luxury goods at discount stores: who doesn't love a bargain? (Germany)
• IPEC orders account of profits in MERCURY dispute (United Kingdom)

Thursday 16 November

We present seven brand protection tactics from WTR’s recent China strategy summit.

Local experts run through the best ways to work with Myanmar border control to combat counterfeiting.

WTR data analysis uncovers the law firms responsible for protecting the world’s most valuable media brands.

Plus:

• Haribo gummy bear found to be distinctive for products other than confectionery (European Union)
• Policy dialogue with Peruvian law enforcement authorities: key points highlighted (Peru)
• How to defend against non-use cancellation attacks (Market Insight: China)
• Federal Circuit rules that fraud after registration is not a basis for cancellation (Market Insight: United States)

Friday 17 November

Hungry Jack’s prevails over McDonald’s, INTA elects its 2024 president, Disney prepares to launch an NFT platform, and more.

Microsoft leads a bounceback among tech brands, but other sectors suffer in this month’s WTR Brand Elite analysis.

Plus:

• Serial infringements: electrical switch series found to be infringing under Danish law (Denmark)
• Yuga Labs awarded over $1.5 million in ‘Bored Ape’ NFT dispute (United States)

Special Report: Safeguarding Style

WTR latest Special Report delves into the multifaceted landscape of brand creation and protection in the fashion and luxury industry, exploring the filing strategies, anti-counterfeiting technologies and international collaborations that are essential to success.