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Concerns raised over India IPAB abolition; Trademark Express dispute finally ends; Florida State unveils new student-athlete NIL programme; 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.

Concerns raised over India IPAB abolition; Trademark Express dispute finally ends; Florida State unveils new student-athlete NIL programme; and much more
What is notable about the Colin the Caterpillar spat is not the dispute itself
17 Apr 2021

What is notable about the Colin the Caterpillar spat is not the dispute itself

In our latest Saturday opinion column, we consider the media frenzy surrounding the news that Colin the Caterpillar and his nemesis Cuthbert are locked in a legal dispute.

Government reform and incentives have created a robust trademark ecosystem in India: top filers revealed
16 Apr 2021

Government reform and incentives have created a robust trademark ecosystem in India: top filers revealed

Asia’s third-largest economy is now the third most active register in the world thanks to a hot start-up scene and prolific local filers

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16 Apr 2021

Colin Caterpillar trademark spat; infamous wine counterfeiter deported; Dole brand expansion – news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at Brainbase expanding its customer base, a new report that finds consumers trust tightly spaced logos, the Brazilian trademark office opening a public consultation, and much more. Read more

16 Apr 2021

“There may be chaotic situations”: the practical impact of abolishing India’s IPAB

In this guest analysis, Shailendra Bhandare, partner at Khaitan & Co, explores the short and long-term impact of the move to abolish India’s  IP Appellate Board. Read more

15 Apr 2021

“A matter of survival”: Trademark Express prevails in long-running dispute with LegalForce

A US district court has found in favour of Trademark Express in a long-running and bitter dispute with LegalForce RAPC Worldwide, deciding that the former had not been engaged in the unauthorised practice of law. ” Read more

15 Apr 2021

Mathys & Squire launches IP consultancy as private practice firms turn to brand valuation

UK IP firm Mathys & Squire has launched a new IP consultancy division, combining legal and commercial strategic advice. WTR spoke with partner Alan MacDougall to find out what the new arm will offer and how the firm is looking to position itself in the market. Read more

15 Apr 2021

Live updates: IP offices implement measures in wake of coronavirus crisis

As the novel coronavirus epidemic continues to spread across the globe, WTR provides an updated look at measures that national IP offices have launched in response. Read more

15 Apr 2021

How to squeeze the best value out of newly acquired brands – a step-by-step approach

The long read: Poorly kept portfolios and badly managed assets can scupper the value of a tempting brand acquisition. However, the careful and methodical approach outlined here can help buyers and sellers alike avoid these pitfalls and maximise the chances of a successful M&A. Read more

14 Apr 2021

“This will be an impediment to India’s image”: concerns over costs and backlogs voiced after IPAB is abolished

Last week the Tribunals Reforms (Rationalisation and Conditions of Service) Ordinance 2021 was promulgated, effectively abolishing India’s IP Appellate Board and transferring its functions to the country’s commercial and high courts. Read more

14 Apr 2021

“What we believed was equal and fair a year ago may not be good enough now”: interview with White & Case global diversity chair

WTR sat down with White & Case partner and chair of the global diversity committee Arlene Hahn to hear how the firm tackles the challenges of contextual D&I initiatives through its affinity networks, leadership style and progressive bonus policy. Read more

13 Apr 2021

Florida State unveils new student-athlete name, image and likeness programme as uncertainty remains over national regime

The move throws the spotlight on the issue of amateurism and the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s efforts to control the narrative. Read more

13 Apr 2021

Fight or flight? Study finds litigation can be an effective deterrent to future counterfeiting activity

A new study has looked at whether trademark litigation is an effective strategy against counterfeiters, with one of the authors telling WTR that “the legal costs of today’s litigation should be weighed against future infringement”. Read more

13 Apr 2021

Activision strikes back with Warzone lawsuit; France.com fight continues; Leason Ellis brand refresh – news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at the IP Office of New Zealand launching a new hearings initiative, Canopy Growth acquiring a leading marijuana brand, and much more. Read more

12 Apr 2021

Trademarks after death – study urges IP practitioners to consider posthumous registration issues

A new study has taken a deep-dive into posthumous intellectual property and endorsement rights, and proposes a legal rethink to ensure fairness and accuracy to the departed. Read more

12 Apr 2021

We have a problem – influencers endorsing counterfeits (op-ed)

Kimiya Shams, legal counsel at technology company DEVIALET, reflects on the concerning trend of influencers endorsing counterfeit products. Read more

12 Apr 2021

Why the current wave of big-ticket new gTLD deals matters to trademark counsel

GoDaddy Registry is to acquire the ‘.club’ and ‘.design’ TLDs, as well as 28 domain extensions owned and operated by MMX. The news broke just over a week after Ethos Capital completed an investment to acquire a controlling interest in Donuts. Read more

11 Apr 2021

INFORM Consumers Act row; strategic takeaways from Brand Strategy India; new WTR Special Report; 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. Read more

10 Apr 2021

Satan Shoes settlement is a good result for both parties, but some will lament the fact the case was not heard

In our latest Saturday opinion column, we examine how the dispute between Nike and MSCHF’s Satan Shoes played out. Read more

9 Apr 2021

FIFA licensing boon; former USPTO director rejoins law firm; INAPI hosts first gender roundtable – news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at GoDaddy increasing its TLD portfolio, Timberland’s trade dress getting the boot, the Peruvian IP office warning political parties to respect IP, and much more. Read more

9 Apr 2021

Luxury doyen Hermès is thriving, thanks to unwavering dedication to its traditional brand values

The French boutique is taking market changes in its stride and its popularity is growing as a result. Read more

8 Apr 2021

Seven strategic takeaways from Brand Strategy India 2021

Over the past two days, WTR has hosted a number of ‘Brand Strategy India’ sessions at the IPBC India virtual event. These discussions  have offered a range of critical takeaways for rights holders. Read more

8 Apr 2021

What the rest of the world can learn from Latvia’s dealings with serial filer Michael Gleissner

The long read: The voracious filing activities of entrepreneur Michael Gleissner have flummoxed IP experts around the world for years. A closer look at a series of courtroom battles in one European country could help to pull back the curtain. Read more

8 Apr 2021

New WTR report charts the rise of mass filers and impact on trademark ecosystem

Whether they are specific individuals or particular jurisdictions, the rise to prominence of mass filers over the past few years has had a significant impact on the trademark landscape. Read more

7 Apr 2021

Slight rebound expected for 2021 US trademark litigation levels but future remains unclear

Trademark litigation filings at US federal district court level are predicted to exceed 2020’s number this year. However, the uptick is expected to be modest. Read more

7 Apr 2021

Final chance to contribute to trademark practice benchmarking project

The submissions window for the latest WTR benchmarking survey, which focuses on operational management to identify how trademark practice is evolving, closes at the end of this week. Read more

7 Apr 2021

“Offensive trademark owners have an enforcement problem” – study calls for Brunetti rethink

A new study has analysed the impact of the Iancu v Brunetti Supreme Court decision, and argues that the owner of offensive trademarks can be denied enforcement in infringement actions and customs seizures. Read more

6 Apr 2021

How Armstrong Teasdale is making DEI part of its DNA

Armstrong Teasdale LLP partner Donna Schmitt and chief diversity officer Meshach Rhoades reflect on a number of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives launched over the past year, earning the firm the title of Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality. Read more

6 Apr 2021

Burger King trolls McDonald’s; INTA weighs in with EUIPO amicus brief; Mondelez and Grenade tie-up – news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at the CCFN welcoming the USTR’s stance on geographical indications, Brand Finance marking its silver anniversary, the Philippines taking over the ASEAN IP cooperation group, and much more. Read more

5 Apr 2021

“Lawmakers shouldn’t be fooled”: war of words breaks out after e-commerce coalition opposes proposed marketplace legislation

A war of words has broken out over the INFORM Consumers Act after a new coalition of online marketplaces came out in opposition of the legislation. Read more

5 Apr 2021

Why all eyes should be on the US Supreme Court for NCAA v Alston

Late last week, oral arguments were heard at the US Supreme Court in National Collegiate Athletic Association v Alston. Although not focused on intellectual property, the case could throw the spotlight firmly onto the issue of player image rights and payments, making it one to watch. Read more

4 Apr 2021

ICANN 70 takeaways; Nike ‘Satan Shoes’ spat; tips for well-known status in China; 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. Read more

3 Apr 2021

Following in the footsteps of Michael Jordan, New Balance, Peppa Pig and Puma, expect more high-profile trademark decisions in China in the coming months

In our latest Saturday opinion column, we look at recent policy announcements and big decisions in China. Read more

2 Apr 2021

MSCHF teases Nike with trademark lawsuit shirt; VW rebrand backfires; ICANN meeting update – news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at the UKIPO tracking illegal online content consumption, US senators urging President Biden to prioritise intellectual property, the USPTO getting back to basics, and much more. Read more

2 Apr 2021

Still time to contribute to trademark practice benchmarking project

The latest WTR benchmarking survey focuses on operational management to identify how trademark practice is evolving in both the law firm and corporate environments. Read more

1 Apr 2021

Practice tips for combatting counterfeiters: an action plan for brands, manufacturers and retailers

The long read: Anti-counterfeiting cannot be a spectator sport – it needs players all through the supply chain. Robert Masters, Lisa Martens and Katy Carlyle at Sheppard Mullin have drawn up a clear strategy for both first and second-line defence in the US market. Read more

1 Apr 2021

What global brands can learn from Peppa Pig and Puma achieving well-known status in China

PEPPA PIG and PUMA have both recently obtained well-known status in China – indicating that the Chinese courts may be adopting a friendlier approach to international brands. Both decisions provide key pointers for other rights holders. Read more

31 Mar 2021

Applications filed by women increase 101% in Chile – but wider industry input required to drive true parity

A recent report from the Chilean National Institute of Industrial Property has revealed that the number of trademarks filed by women increased significantly over the past year. Speaking to WTR, national director Loreto Bresky reflects on various initiatives behind the hike. Read more

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ICANN 70 takeaways; Nike ‘Satan Shoes’ spat; tips for well-known status in China; and much more

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MSCHF teases Nike with trademark lawsuit shirt; VW rebrand backfires; ICANN meeting update – news digest

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Live updates: IP offices implement measures in wake of coronavirus crisis

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Burger King trolls McDonald’s; INTA weighs in with EUIPO amicus brief; Mondelez and Grenade tie-up – news digest

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FIFA licensing boon; former USPTO director rejoins law firm; INAPI hosts first gender roundtable – news digest