Key takeaways from ICANN 69; behind the scenes at KIPO; UKIPO reveals new GI 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.
Monday 26 October
Exclusive WTR Brand Elite data revealed computing and software companies suffered a major share price drop in September. Read more
In an exclusive guest post, the new commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office, Kim Yong-Rae, discussed the agency’s innovative non-core tools and services for trademark users – and those planned for the future. Read more
Plus:
- Uganda launches National Intellectual Property Policy (Uganda)
- Eye Don’t: no counterfeiting without likelihood of confusion (United States)
Tuesday 27 October
Tuesday’s news digest saw Coca-Cola planning to discontinue 200 brands, adidas mulling a Reebok sale, the boss of Kenya’s Anti-counterfeit Authority departing after a fake number plate scandal, and much more. Read more
We sat down with Lutgarde Liezenberg, CEO of the Novagraaf Group, to learn about the organisation’s NovumIP service provider plans and how it has adapted to an ever-changing environment. Read more
IP Australia’s China representative, Charlotte Trinh, revealed her big ambitions to push for more engagement between Australian brand owners and the Chinese IP system in an exclusive interview with WTR. Read more
Following reports of a growing problem with fake goods on Indonesian online marketplace Tokopedia, a company spokesperson told WTR that combating counterfeits “possess its own challenges”. Read more
Plus:
- Is it a Big Mac? Is it a Big Jack? No, it’s a Big MacJac! (Australia)
- New CNIPA standards provide clear guidance on prior use defence (China)
Wednesday 28 October
After the Chilean National Institute of Industrial Property suffered its second arson attack in less than a year, local practitioners praised the office for its positive attitude towards recovery. Read more
In a guest analysis, experts from Winterfeldt IP Group presented the key takeaways from ICANN 69, including on WHOIS data access, the rights protection mechanisms review and future gTLD rounds. Read more
Plus:
- CJEU clarifies how to assess distinctive character of mark to be applied to goods used to deliver a service (European Union)
- Criminal action filed for tampering with Huawei mobile phones (Peru)
Thursday 29 October
Among the actions taken by national registries in response to the covid-19 pandemic this week, the USPTO – along with all IP offices operating in G20 countries – released a joint statement pledging "enhanced cooperation" to support each other during the ongoing crisis. Read more
As the IP Key programme winds down on its four-year strategic plan in Southeast Asia, WTR caught up with project leader Tiago Guerreiro on the initiative’s successes and future goals. Read more
We examined what the United Kingdom’s new approach to geographical indications (GIs) means for EU and US trade agreements, suggesting that the new GIs place the country in a favourable position with its non-EU allies. Read more
Plus:
- Board of Appeal confirms refusal of IT365 as being descriptive (Estonia)
- Bombay High Court frowns on Future’s copying of Parle’s biscuit packaging (India)
- Essential steps for Chinese companies filing trademark applications in Africa (International report: Africa)
- UK court finds that alleged bait-and-switch selling does not constitute trademark infringement (International report: United Kingdom)
Friday 30 October
In our Friday news round-up, we reported on a Sony PS5 dispute in India, Tiffany and LVMH agreeing on a lower merger price, research revealing the brand risk of data breaches, and much more. Read more
After the USPTO faced an online backlash for posting social media messages that appeared to praise President Donald Trump, a spokesperson told WTR that they “disagree with those who would inject partisan politics” into the posts. Read more
We examined the extent of the coronavirus’ impact on the trademark ecosystem, with filing data indicating that – despite the odds – we are still on track for a record year. Read more
Plus:
- Complaint for ‘kobra.com’ comes back to bite complainant (International)
- Likelihood of indirect confusion DOME-inates opposition decisions (United Kingdom)
Saturday 31 October
This week’s delve into the WTR archive focused on intellectual property’s relationship with the C-suite, including tips for IP practitioners looking to get management buy-in. Read more
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