Twitter-X rebrand challenges; senior Chinese IP official bribery claims; ‘.sucks’ on GoDaddy; 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

US practitioners scrutinise the Rogers test to reveal the future of First Amendment defences.

Monday 24 July

Temporary seizures of Danone and Carlsberg assets raise fresh IP worries for brands exiting Russia.

We shine a spotlight on the EUIPO’s value-add tools and services.

Plus:

• Beijing High Court invalidates trademark pre-emptively registered by squatter under Article 15(2) (China)
• Not dropping the catch: respondent wins in UDRP complaint (International)

Tuesday 25 July

Elon Musk faces major trademark challenges following sudden Twitter-X rebrand.

Google updates its trademark complaints policy, the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office publishes its annual report, the first post-Brexit GI is awarded, and more.

Plus:

• General Court: figurative mark consisting of two geometrical shapes will not be perceived as letters (European Union)
• Huge enforcement action carried out against wholesaler of counterfeit luxury goods targeting celebrities (Peru)

Wednesday 26 July

WTR’s 2023 Lifetime Achievement winner reflects on a career in trademarks.

We ask whether IndiaMART is doing enough to prevent counterfeits on its platform.

Plus:

• Proposed trademark online filing platform: why the stakes are high (Nigeria)
• Acquittal judgment overturned due to incorrect assessment of evidence in case involving imported counterfeit goods (Spain)

Thursday 27 July

The ‘.sucks’ TLD becomes available via GoDaddy as brand owners are warned of increased risk.

Manchester United’s brand protection team reveals what makes it “very lucky”.

Plus:

• Promulgation of Trademark Law Revision Act - what you need to know (Japan)
• PTO confirms similarity of virtual and physical goods in landmark decision (Turkey)
• Online filing of trademark registrations soars in popularity (Market Insight: China)
• Delhi High Court decision opens door for broader comparative advertising methods (Market Insight: India)
• Ninth Circuit defines personal jurisdiction in interactive website dispute (Market Insight: United States)

Friday 28 July

Former Beijing IP Court president Su Chi faces claims of bribery and violation of duty.

Friday’s news digest includes an X verification warning, a USPTO anti-counterfeiting update and a new purchase for Authentic Brands.

Canon’s trademark department reflects on recent IP successes.

Plus:

• Power play: Federal Court’s decision in Energizer v Gillette narrows test for depreciation of goodwill in comparative advertising cases (Canada)
• Supreme Court of Appeal strongly criticises High Court decision in ‘iCollege’ dispute (South Africa)

Saturday 29 July

AI-based legal translations could be a game changer for small firms, they just need investment, argues this week’s opinion column.

Spotlight on Asia-Pacific 

Our new 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.