Leading trademark professionals revealed; panel report economy concerns; EUIPO education exclusive; 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.

WTR 1000 2023 – out now

This year’s definitive guide to the world’s leading trademark professionals is available now.

Monday 6 February

The wider economic situation is a top concern for trademark teams in WTR’s new elite panel report.

Major brand protection changes are on the horizon in Bermuda.

The UK Intellectual Property Office’s director of people and place discusses the agency’s efforts to create a culture that benefits staff, customers and the community.

Plus:

• Board of Appeal: no likelihood of confusion between UNOVET and INNOVET (Estonia)
• Second Circuit, Federal Circuit and TTAB crossroads: Cuban embargo or Pan-American Convention? (United States)

Tuesday 7 February

Yuga Labs settles a Bored Ape dispute, Mauritius signs up to the Madrid System, the TTAB grants Lizzo’s trademark, and more.

WTR’s brand-new WTR 1000 Analytics gives subscribers unparalleled insight into the performance data of the world’s leading trademark practices.

Plus:

• SUBWAY v SUBERB: Subway cannot claim exclusivity over ‘sub’, says Delhi High Court (India)
• Your gang did what!? No matter - no forfeiture of IP (United States)

Wednesday 8 February

The IP director at EV start-up Xpeng Motors reveals the importance of intellectual property to the company’s expansion plans.

The return of the SHOP SAFE Act, WIPO’s ambassador meeting and legislation to combat retail theft feature in this month’s policy watch.

The EUIPO announces another extension of time limits for parties based or registered in Ukraine. 

Plus:

• Respondent’s plausible explanation results in denial of UDRP complaint (International)
• High Court: alleged interference with human rights does not justify disapplication of locus standi rules in trademark invalidity proceedings (United Kingdom)

Thursday 9 February

The counterfeiting crisis is only going to escalate, despite increased awareness and tech advancements, a panel of leading trademark experts warns.

We go inside the EUIPO’s education outreach efforts, in an exclusive interview with senior executives at the office.

Plus:

• General Court considers consequence of failing to identify earlier mark in notice of opposition (European Union)
• Goya Foods Inc maintains its most popular trademark within the Andean region (Peru)
• Three steps for successful assignment negotiations in China (Market Insight: China)
• Playing card spat highlights that prior rights are a winning hand (Market Insight: India)
• Why colour marks in Denmark are so difficult to register (Market Insight: Scandinavia)

Friday 10 February

Meta settles its infinity-symbol dispute, Tesco and Lidl face off in court again, KeepCup sues Chatime, and more.

Plus:

• The social function of trademarks and their protection by state institutions (Chile)
• Blow for Rolex in crown device dispute (European Union)

Saturday 11 February

Strong partnerships remain a crucial tool in the fight against illicit trade, Saturday’s opinion insists.

Out now: Special Report on diversity in IP

WTR's new Special Report examines the progress being made to improve diversity, equity and inclusion across the IP sphere – with practical steps from industry leaders on how to build a better workplace.