USPTO foreign sponsorship scam; Grab enforcement strategy; IP policy news; 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
Everything you need to know about enforcing IP rights under the new and improved UAE Trademark Law.
Monday 3 October
Our new monthly column tracks IP policy developments from around the world, including updates on the US INFORM Consumers Act and the EU NIS2 Directive.
We reveal the online marketplaces in Nepal that should be on counterfeit enforcement radars.
Plus:
- Duck fight: when reputation comes to the rescue of the ‘risk of confusion’ assessment (European Union)
- New trademark legislation in Zambia: the Trademarks Bill 2022 (Zambia)
Tuesday 4 October
Ben & Jerry’s adds new claims to its spat with Unilever spat, Peloton and Lulemon settle a dispute over apparel, and more.
The USPTO takes action against foreign sponsorship scam activities, as a firm at the centre denies all allegations.
Plus:
- BULL overcomes DAWG at the High Court (United Kingdom)
- If you come for the Prince, you best not miss (United States)
Wednesday 5 October
An insightful new book offers a total business solution for brand protection.
WTR takes a closer look at ByteDance’s global IP strategy in a new Q&A series.
Plus:
- ‘Absolut-ly’ distinctive: vodka bottle found distinctive and to indicate trade origin on appeal (European Union)
- Groundless threats: High Court sets out the ground rules (Singapore)
Thursday 6 October
Superapp Grab gets tough on enforcement as its portfolio surpasses 1,000 trademarks.
We uncover nine counterfeit hotspots to be aware of in Kazakhstan.
Plus:
- Christian Louboutin prevails over Chinese shoe manufacturer in ‘red sole’ dispute (China)
- IPONZ decision provides excellent guidance on online trademark use (New Zealand)
- Warning shot fired over document quality in trademark submissions (Market Insight: Poland)
- Russian IP Court upholds finding of confusion in product mixing case (Market Insight: Russia)
- Ad featuring third-party mark on the aftermarket ruled fair use (Market Insight: Taiwan)
- Top tips for registering colour marks in Serbia (Market Insight: Western Balkans)
Friday 7 October
China develops its approach to bad-faith filings and related enforcement.
Brand professionals from Merck, Meta, Nestlé, Teva Pharmaceuticals and WeWork are among the line-up for two WTR events in New York.
Gibson’s cybersquatting claim backfires, Coachella sues Afrochella, court dismisses Rothschild’s NFT appeal, and more.
Plus:
- Anti-monopoly authority sets unfair competition test in GLOBUS dispute (Belarus)
- General Court confirms that BLACK IRISH is descriptive for beverages (European Union)
Saturday 8 October
UPS’s law firm diversity scheme shows that corporates are keen to push on with DEI programmes despite challenges.
WTR Special Report: Brand Protection 2027
Our Q3 Special Report provides a glimpse into the future of the trademark industry.