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IP Offices

Cadbury and Glaxo purples suggest that colour marks can still be a grey area

Rights holders are increasingly turning to non-conventional colour marks to protect the colours associated with their brands against use by competitors. Although colour marks remain difficult to obtain, brand owners can take certain steps to enhance their chances of success.

<em>Cadbury </em>and <em>Glaxo </em>purples suggest that colour marks can still be a grey area
20 Aug 2019

North Korea establishes IP institute, Amazon intangibles tax win, and Brazil fee request: news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at retail companies leading a ‘brand health’ survey, the Belarus IP office correcting a mistake, the New York Times delving into the world of counterfeit books, and much more.

15 Aug 2019

Six counterfeit hotspots you should be aware of in Scotland

People from around the world have flocked to Scotland this month to enjoy Edinburgh’s legendary Fringe festival. Talking to WTR, one expert highlights why fake goods are no laughing matter and identifies counterfeit hotspots in Scotland that brand owners should police.

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18 Aug 2019

WWE’s approach to enforcement; brand squatting in Nigeria; global counterfeiting hotspots; encouraging diversity in the IP field; EUIPO warning; plus much more.

Everything we covered on WTR over the last seven days – and all you need to know from the world of trademarks to set yourself up for the start of another busy week. Read more

15 Aug 2019

“A spectacular own goal”? EUIPO warns of applications with long lists of goods and services caused by its own tool

The EUIPO has warned about EUTMs with long lists of goods and services. A WTR investigation finds that the cause appears to be linked to the EUIPO’s own goods and services builder tool. Read more

14 Aug 2019

Nigerian Trademark Registry: recent developments expected to benefit IP system

Developments that have taken place at the Nigerian Trademark Registry over the past few months have been widely welcomed by the trademark community. Among other things, it is hoped that the establishment of the new Trademark Tribunal will speed up opposition proceedings. Read more

14 Aug 2019

Warning issued over brand name squatting in Nigeria: how to fight back 

While brands are long used to the scourge of trademark squatting in a number of jurisdictions, it can be easy to overlook the challenge posed by companies trading off their name. A legal expert in Nigeria warns that the latter is a significant threat. Read more

News

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11 Aug 2019

USPTO warning over ‘bad actors’; Apple entering the fintech fray; Ferrari spat with German designer; Amazon extends Project Zero; plus much more.

Everything we covered on WTR over the last seven days – and all you need to know from the world of trademarks to set yourself up for the start of another busy week. Read more

9 Aug 2019

INTA heads to New Delhi, Gatorade victory, and ‘fake IP lawyer’ pleads guilty: news digest

In our latest edition, we look at Porsche revealing its brand protection secrets, Mastercard launching a blockchain program to track fake fashion, WIPO offering a mediation incentive, CNIPA opening a new office, and much more. Read more

8 Aug 2019

“Great news for the IP community” – US government authorises trademark protection in Venezuela

A General Licence has been issued by the US government that explicitly authorises the protection of all intellectual property in Venezuela. The move follows significant challenges for US companies seeking to protect their brands in the country. Read more

6 Aug 2019

USPTO seeks commissioner for trademarks, Bud Light launches fashion line, and Suzuki victory: news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at an anti-counterfeiting ‘tongue’ tool to identify fake whisky, the IP Office of the Philippines calls for speedier IP case resolutions, a US pastor arrested for counterfeits in church, and much more. Read more

Analysis

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9 Aug 2019

USPTO warns of ‘bad actors’ as filing levels return to normal

Filing levels at the USPTO have returned to ‘normal’ following weeks of unprecedented activity. However, challenges remain, with a new warning sent to users over so-called ‘bad actors’ targeting the US trademark system. Read more

7 Aug 2019

Significant amendments to the Regulation on the Implementation of the Industrial Property Code

Important amendments to the Turkish Regulation on the Implementation of the Industrial Property Code were published in the Official Gazette on 8 July 2019. Read more

2 Aug 2019

Chinese law firm seeks to buy US trademarks: inside the market for ‘idle’ registrations

Over the past week, law firms across the US have been contacted by an IP agency based in China asking if they have registered trademarks to sell. Talking exclusively to WTR, a representative for this agency explains the inner workings of this market for marks. Read more

31 Jul 2019

Uzbekistan introduces criteria for determining whether trademark is well known, transfers IP office appeal board to Ministry of Justice

A resolution which entered into force in Uzbekistan on 2 July 2019 introduces criteria for determining whether a trademark is well known. The resolution also brings the Board of Appeal of the Intellectual Property Office under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice. Read more

Research

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5 Apr 2019

How South Africa’s predicted economic upswing will create opportunities for brands and their advisors

The country is seeing increased interest from international entities - particularly from the US; this will likely grow in scale as not only the South African economy develops, but as other emerging markets on the African continent grow.  Read more

29 Mar 2019

Data analysis reveals that top 50 US applicants have significantly decreased filings over past decade

While the volume of applications filed at the USPTO has steadily increased in recent years, the top 50 US applicants are filing fewer trademark applications each year, with a significant decrease visible over a 10-year period. So what is going on? Read more

15 Feb 2019

Ireland’s strong domestic market and exports boost GDP, but are brands ready for Brexit?

We analyse the Irish trademark landscape to see if brands are prepared for the planned Brexit exit day in just over a month, and how this market has developed over the past decade. Read more

18 Jan 2019

Domestic trademark filings propel growth in Iran, although international demand stutters

Iran's trademark activity has been spurred on by residential filings, with international companies keeping a distance, according to our exclusive data analysis.  Read more

Insight

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17 Jul 2019

Healing confusion – choosing the correct name for pharmaceutical trademarks

Similarity among prescription drug names should be avoided, as the potential confusion carries a risk to consumer health. Bringing the best pharmaceutical trademark to market can be arduous, but it will assist in the safe prescription of medication. Read more

17 Jul 2019

Infrequent pharmaceutical disputes have far-reaching consequences in Malaysia

While disputes over pharmaceutical trademarks are few and far between, decisions can have a significant effect on product manufacturing and public health. Read more

17 Jul 2019

Naming, registering and advertising pharmaceutical trademarks in Russia

The pharmaceutical industry is a high-tech development priority and pharmaceutical production must happen alongside the development of an appropriate IP protection strategy. Pharmaceutical trademarks owners would be well advised to consider any issues in the context of the Russian market. Read more

17 Jul 2019

Naming, registering and advertising pharmaceutical trademarks in Russia

The pharmaceutical industry is a high-tech development priority and pharmaceutical production must happen alongside the development of an appropriate IP protection strategy. Pharmaceutical trademarks owners would be well advised to consider any issues in the context of the Russian market. Read more

Trending

1

Warning issued over brand name squatting in Nigeria: how to fight back 

2

Six counterfeit hotspots you should be aware of in Scotland

3

“A spectacular own goal”? EUIPO warns of applications with long lists of goods and services caused by its own tool

4

INTA heads to New Delhi, Gatorade victory, and ‘fake IP lawyer’ pleads guilty: news digest

5

“Never seen anything like this” – USPTO experiences massive surge in trademark applications from China

Find an expert

Mark Evans
Partner
Toronto ON, Canada
Smart & Biggar
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