Spotify’s IP strategy; Philippines and Benelux office exclusives; Beijing court fast-track pilot; 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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The Long Read
We reveal how Spotify’s approach to intellectual asset mapping deepens its brand understanding.
Monday 28 November
Local experts outline the counterfeit hotspots in Malta that brand owners should have on their enforcement radar.
In an exclusive guest post, IP Office of the Philippines director general Rowel S Barba reveals the biggest developments at the agency this year.
Plus:
- Hermès awarded Rmb2 million in damages for misuse of its trademark and iconic design elements by real estate developer (China)
- Well, well, well… General Court confirms that WELL AND WELL pharma mark has limited scope of protection (European Union)
Tuesday 29 November
Aristocrat tops the list of USPTO filers, as Kanye West’s prosecution activity propels him into the top 20, according to the latest data.
Twitter prevails in a logo dispute in Singapore, Rolex is named the most-searched brand for counterfeits, Prosecco lobbying intensifies, and more.
A recent US Court of Appeals decision highlights the need to diligently comply with procedural requirements when seeking a preliminary injunction.
Plus:
- General Court confirms likelihood of confusion between GREENWICH POLO CLUB and BEVERLY HILLS POLO CLUB (European Union)
- To infinity and beyond: California court grants motion to dismiss trademark complaint against Meta logo (United States)
Wednesday 30 November
Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan “stirs the debate” on publicity rights after his image is misused in a series of adverts and scams.
Representatives from the US Intellectual Property Alliance explain why Lenovo, Meta and Microsoft are among those signing up to drive innovation through the Diversity Pledge.
Plus:
- Major success for Banksy at the EUIPO Board of Appeal (European Union)
- Court of Rome sides with Juventus in first European decision on use of trademarks in NFTs (Italy)
Thursday 1 December
The deputy director general of the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property, Hugues Derème, reveals some exciting upcoming initiatives.
This month’s legislation and IP policy watch examines the EU NIS2 Directive, the extension of GIs to non-agricultural goods and a WIPO-backed report on the regional adoption of Article 10bis.
Plus:
- CNIPA strikes decade-old trademark registrations incorporating Bruce Lee’s image on ground of deceptiveness (China)
- Lao Department of Intellectual Property issues country’s first trademark cancellation decision (Laos)
- Taiwan's trademark certificates to go digital from January 2023 (Market Insight: Taiwan)
Friday 2 December
Bitcoin.com is sued for infringement, Japan forms a virtual IP council, New Zealand seeks GI views, and more.
The Beijing IP court’s fast-track pilot for simple administrative trademark cases sees a spike in use.
Plus:
- Landmark CJEU ruling clarifies limits of rebranding generics as branded medicines (European Union)
- Trademark consisting solely of colours granted to Korean company for the first time (South Korea)
WTR Special Report: Brand Protection 2027
Our Q3 Special Report provides a glimpse into the future of the trademark industry.