TrademarkSea warning; new Egyptian IP authority; biases facing women in IP; 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.

Long Read

A new research paper details the challenges and biases facing women in intellectual property.

Monday 4 September

The founders of recently launched change management firm Amlex-IP discuss their ambitions to end industry inertia.

ASICS IP lead Koji Shimomura explains why his brand is adopting a more holistic IP strategy.

Plus:

• Evidence of targeting is essential under the UDRP (International)
• Well-known perfume companies dealt blow in ‘smell-alike’ case (Israel)

Tuesday 5 September

The formation of the unified Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority sparks a new era of brand protection in Egypt.

Casio enters the NFT space, the Isley Brothers continue their name dispute, IKEA remains the most valuable Nordic brand, and more.

Plus:

• Invalidation case shows ‘bad faith’ is alive and well in New Zealand (New Zealand)
• New decree guiding implementation of IP Law amendments introduced (Vietnam)

Wednesday 6 September

The INFORM Consumers Act may present challenges for Schedule A cases, warns Wolf Greenfield’s Rob Maldonado.

A UKIPO Brexit update, USPTO verification requirements and new scrutiny of Laos’ IP Law feature in this week’s IP office watch.

Plus:  

• Hermès victorious in HAIRMES trademark dispute (Japan)
• DINAPI recognises and protects main element in foreign company’s trademark (Paraguay)

Thursday 7 September

The USPTO issues a warning to buyers as it takes action against trademarks filed by auction site TrademarkSea.

Plus:

• Trademark classification of virtual goods and services in Australia (Australia)
• EUIPO refuses to register Porsche’s sound mark (European Union)
• CNIPA cracks down on malicious registration using Article 4 of the Trademark Law (Market Insight: China)
• Google keyword ruling indicates evolving trademark jurisprudence in digital realm (Market Insight: India)
• Fourth Circuit affirms that disgorgement of profits is an appropriate remedy for breach of contract (Market Insight: United States)
• Slovenian legislative overhaul reflects valuable steps towards harmonisation with EU IP framework (Market Insight: Western Balkans)

Friday 8 September

A new WIPO paper assesses whether global IP systems are equipped for a decentralised, digital future.

Amazon sues social media influencers, Wolverine World Wide sells its Hush Puppies IP in greater China, Lewis Roca expands, and more.

Plus:

• Court holds that ‘China Bistro’ combination is distinctive and restrains use of WOW! CHINA BISTRO (India)
• The SANOFI case: Federal High Court issues key ruling on trademark infringement by company names (Nigeria)

Saturday 9 September

This week’s opinion column asks whether we are finally on the verge of resolving student-athlete NIL issues.

Spotlight on Asia-Pacific 

WTR’s latest Special Report offers a strategic guide to navigating the evolving brand protection landscape in the Asia-Pacific region, covering everything from filing trends and the biggest portfolio owners to enforcement mechanisms and best business practices.