Controversial Banksy NFT launch; $107 million-a-year SSAD projections; consumer trust crisis; and much more

The Long Read

After an unprecedented year of fraud at the USPTO, we ask what more needs to be done to tackle trademark filing scams and protect users.

Monday 17 January

A $107 million-a-year ticketing system: ICANN presents its initial projections for the System for Standardised Access/Disclosure.

Controversial multimillionaire trademark activist Mike Lin reveals plans to launch a Banksy NFT collection.

Plus:

• Legal reforms in the UAE: what does this mean for brand owners? (United Arab Emirates)
• MANUKA HONEY certification mark comes unstuck at the UKIPO (United Kingdom)

Tuesday 18 January

Lacoste sues Marks & Spencer, Microsoft offers to plans Activision Blizzard, North Korea registers eight trademarks, and much more.

Cannabis-related filings have plummeted in Canada, but the market could be on the verge of new opportunity, according to local analysis.

Plus:

• Halloumi lovers cheesed-off by GRILLOUMI BURGERS (European Union)
• Change the look of the room: appeal transferred to the Federal Circuit (United States)

Wednesday 19 January

The UK government maintains its current exhaustion regime – for now.

Consumer trust hits a new low, with businesses urged to do more in this year’s global Edelman report.

Plus:

• UDRP complainant left feeling blue in ‘azulmusic.com’ case (International)
• Good news for brand owners as DIP updates expedited trademark procedures (Thailand)

Thursday 20 January

The Apple juggernaut shows no signs of stopping as the WTR Brand Elite indices hits new heights.

The IP offices of Jamaica and Sri Lanka confirm plans to reopen after covid-19-related closures.

Trademark infringement is rampant on OpenSea, the leading NFT marketplace, a WTR investigation finds.

Plus:

• Court of Appeals sets new standard in BURTON cancellation action (Argentina)
• Victory for Spotify as POTIFY goes to pot (United States)
• UKIPO refuses NORTON MOTORCYCLE RACING trademark application (Market Insight: United Kingdom)

Friday 21 January

Powell Gilbert IP experts assess the legal implications of personalised gifts, highlighting the best course of action for brand owners and sellers alike.

Louis Vuitton fails to prove its reputation at the EUIPO, Sri Lanka amends its IP Act, TikTok owner Bytedance enters the Chinese perfume market, and much more.

Plus:

• McGregor IP BV succeeds in demonstrating claimant’s bad faith in cancellation proceedings (Peru)
• Supreme Administrative Court decision highlights requirements and interpretation of anti-squatting and bad-faith clause (Taiwan)

Saturday 22 January

We reveal why the SPECTACLES trademark case is one to watch.

WTR Special Report: Next-generation innovation at IP offices

WTR’s latest special report explores how IP offices around the world are embracing innovation and why it matters to all trademark professionals.