Visit IAM Logo
Subscribe now

News

Observatory paper highlights good practices for social media companies to consider in fight against fakes

A new discussion paper from the European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights has taken a deep dive into the challenges faced by IP owners, law enforcement authorities and tech companies in tackling infringement on social media.

Observatory paper highlights good practices for social media companies to consider in fight against fakes
Womble Bond Dickinson US shares best practices for workplace inclusion
16 Jun 2021

Womble Bond Dickinson US shares best practices for workplace inclusion

Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP’s Sarah Keefe and WBD Pride affinity group co-chairs Tara Cho and Kevin Hall share a number of best practices for building an inclusive work environment in an effort to make the legal profession a more equitable place for all.

“The lawful use requirement must go” – academic calls for USPTO to abolish policy
15 Jun 2021

“The lawful use requirement must go” – academic calls for USPTO to abolish policy

A groundbreaking new paper claims that the USPTO has “no mandate” to cancel or refuse trademark protection through its lawful use requirement, with the author calling for INTA to take up the cause.

Latest

View all news
15 Jun 2021

South Korea reports record trademark applications; Selfridges for sale; Right Guard under new ownership – news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at OpSec Security introducing a new integrated authentication label, the Portuguese IP office launching an anti-counterfeiting site for kids, and much more. Read more

14 Jun 2021

“The Second Circuit got it right”: FTC decision reversed in trademark agreements dispute

The Second Circuit has reversed a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) decision which held that a series of trademark agreements between online contact lens company 1-800 Contacts and its competitors focusing on keyword advertising restrained competition. Read more

14 Jun 2021

How a hands-on approach helps FSC IP counsel push sustainable brand message

In an exclusive interview, Ugreson Maistry, trademark and IP counsel at the Forest Stewardship Council, reveals why teaming up with industry players not only benefits the environment, but also helps raise the profile of sustainability groups. Read more

14 Jun 2021

Counterfeit hotspots in South Africa that brand owners must be aware of

In the latest instalment in our regular series on marketplaces around the globe that are reportedly notorious for being counterfeit havens, we head to South Africa. Read more

13 Jun 2021

Corsearch acquires Incopro; mascots and cancel culture; Corona crowned top beer brand; 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

12 Jun 2021

Why the UK could be flooded with cheap imported branded products if post-Brexit exhaustion of rights regime is changed

In this week’s opinion piece, Lee Curtis and Rebecca Field from HGF explain why it is crucially important for brand owners to have their say as part of the UK government's post-Brexit exhaustion of IP rights consultation. Read more

11 Jun 2021

Crocs calls out Skechers; LegalZoom gears up for initial public offering; SurveyMonkey rebrands as Momentive – news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at INTA updating its anti-counterfeiting best practices, the American Apparel & Footwear Association joining a campaign against illegal trade, Amazon and HanesBrands teaming up, and much more. Read more

11 Jun 2021

The Swiss register is stable and a fan favourite for foreign businesses, particularly those from the US

Switzerland’s economy is highly integrated in the global market, with trademark data revealing how the country is an important consideration for expanding brands. Read more

10 Jun 2021

Corsearch acquires Incopro as industry M&A trend continues

Corsearch has announced the acquisition of online brand protection provider Incopro in the latest in a series of industry acquisitions by the company. Read more

10 Jun 2021

Concern voiced as low-cost filer Trademark Terminal launches new platforms

Recently-launched low-cost trademark filing offerings ‘Trademark Kingdom’ and ‘Trademark Nations’ appear to be linked to controversial platform Trademark Terminal, WTR can reveal. Read more

10 Jun 2021

Character brands, mascots and cancel culture: a step-by-step guide to creating, policing, licensing and retirement

The Long Read: Over the past 18 months a number of brands have retired controversial mascots and characters. BakerHostetler’s Robert (“Red”) BG Horowitz runs through the key considerations brand owners should bear in mind if mascots are to stay current, as well as best practice for how to shelve them while retaining control. Read more

10 Jun 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

9 Jun 2021

US district court deals Snyder’s “serious blow” in latest PRETZEL CRISPS ruling

The Western District of North Carolina has drawn a hard line in the ongoing saga over the genericness of the PRETZEL CRISPS trademark, stating that no amount of commercial success would justify monopolising the common name of the product. Read more

9 Jun 2021

Communication, CSR and canny digital presence help Corona retain title of ‘most valuable beer brand’

The newly published Brand Finance Alcoholic Drinks 2021 report reveals that the total value of the world’s top 50 most valuable beer brands has declined by 16%, from $94.9 billion to $80.2 billion, over the past year. Read more

9 Jun 2021

Assessing the online brand protection landscape; WTR needs your views

WTR is asking the trademark community to share its experience of the online brand protection environment, in an effort to identify emerging threats and how practice is evolving to counter them. Read more

9 Jun 2021

ICANN responds to EFF concerns over Ethos Capital’s Donuts deal, pushes back on call to review DPML offerings

ICANN has responded to the EFF's concerns over Ethos Capital acquiring a controlling interest in Donuts and its call for the removal of Donuts’ voluntary IP protection mechanisms. Read more

8 Jun 2021

“National exhaustion is off the agenda” – reaction as UK government opens consultation on post-Brexit regime

The UK government has launched a consultation on the UK’s future regime for the exhaustion of IP rights and parallel trade, laying out various options for respondents to consider. Read more

8 Jun 2021

INTA seeks brand stories; IACC and National IPR Center partnership; new GIs in Pakistan – news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at China’s 2021 International Trademark Brand Festival being announced, the top Indian brands showing record brand value growth, Bed Bath & Beyond launching more private brands, and much more. Read more

8 Jun 2021

Call for reform as trademark survey formats criticised for suppressing crucial information

A new study criticises widely-used methodology used on trademark survey evidence, claiming it is prone to showing only “weakly-held mistaken beliefs”, and suggests changes to “reveal the true extent of consumer uncertainty”. Read more

7 Jun 2021

EU detentions tumble but value of seized goods unchanged as infringers shift product focus

Newly released data from the EUIPO reveals that detentions of IP-infringing goods at the EU border and within the EU market tumbled by over a fifth in 2019 – although the overall value of detained goods remained largely the same. Read more

7 Jun 2021

Combat, compete or cooperate? New Zealand kiwifruit co-operative looks to brand deal to tackle unauthorised plantings

New Zealand kiwifruit co-operative Zespri is asking growers to explore a deal to address unauthorised plantings in China. Read more

6 Jun 2021

INFORM Consumers lobbying; US litigation slump; cybersquatting tactics; 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

5 Jun 2021

Someone needs to step up to tackle spurious trademark filing platforms, but who will take the initiative?

In our latest Saturday opinion column, we reflect on the rise of low-cost trademark filing websites and what can be done to tackle those that offer terrible service or, in some instances, are set up to scam users. Read more

4 Jun 2021

Recent media tie-ups reveal value of IP in the streaming wars

Amazon will take on MGM’s portfolio, while WarnerMedia will be combined with Discovery. Both stand to gain the rights to famous content and brands. Read more

4 Jun 2021

Tesla overtakes Apple in trademark furore; Madrid Protocol passed in Jamaica; GOOD YEAR well known in India – news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at the explosive increase in trademark applications in Chile, the appointment of a new president at the Licensing Executives Society International, and much more. Read more

4 Jun 2021

Beyond speculation: how creators and businesses are strengthening their intellectual property through NFTs and blockchain

After a series of high-profile sales, Novagraaf IP counsel and head of online brand protection Anca Draganescu-Pinawin explains how the non-fungible token (NFT) market benefits artists and creators when it comes to issues of ownership and intellectual property. Read more

3 Jun 2021

Mass counterfeit litigation continues steep upward curve, but overall US trademark case filings slump to 10-year low

While trademark litigation filings at US federal district court level hit a 10-year low in 2020, mass counterfeiting cases have continued to spike. Read more

3 Jun 2021

USPTO disciplinary order brings hope of imminent crackdown on violations of attorney signature rules

The USPTO’s Office of Enrollment and Discipline (OED) has issued a scathing decision against a US registered attorney who allowed his signature to be used by a Chinese entity on thousands of trademark applications. Read more

3 Jun 2021

Top tips for enforcement success as big changes to China’s copyright regime come into force

The Long Read: Beijing Kangrui Law Firm’s Echo Xu takes a deep dive into the amended Copyright Law – which came into force earlier this week – and sets out key recommendations for rights holders doing business in China. Read more

2 Jun 2021

“The opposition is well funded and active”: inside the Buy Safe America Coalition’s INFORM Consumers advocacy work

Buy Safe America Coalition spokesperson Michael Hanson expands on the lobbying battle currently underway in DC over the INFORM Consumers Act. Read more

2 Jun 2021

“Good intentions have not been effective”: change comes from bold leadership, says Ballard Spahr chief diversity officer

Chief diversity officer Virginia Essandoh reveals how US firm Ballard Spahr has remained at the forefront of LGBTQIA+ equality in law firms and why leaders need to take concrete steps to address wider inequities in the industry. Read more

2 Jun 2021

Emerging threats and trends in online brand protection; share your insights

WTR is asking readers to share their experience of the online brand protection environment in the past 12 months, in an effort to identify how practice is evolving in response to emerging threats. Read more

1 Jun 2021

“It is a balancing act – cost versus risk”: exclusive insight on managing the H&M portfolio

Legal counsel and H&M veteran Björn Norberg reveals how IP protection has changed at the Swedish high-street giant over the past 20 years. Read more

1 Jun 2021

Chia cryptocurrency trademark spat; BTS and McDonald’s collaborate; Gap and Walmart team up – news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at a report revealing that most consumers have "little faith" in brands, the China National IP Administration finding that Chinese firms have submitted "irregular" IP applications, and much more. Read more

31 May 2021

Innovation at the German Patent and Trademark Office: spotlight on cutting-edge tools and services

In exclusive insights, the German Patent and Trademark Office reveals the innovative non-core tools and services that it offers trademark users. Read more

View all news

Trending

1

Revealed: how controversial low-cost online trademark platforms dominate paid Google search results

2

“National exhaustion is off the agenda” – reaction as UK government opens consultation on post-Brexit regime

3

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

4

Hendrick’s defeats Lidl in lookalike gin dispute; INTA reveals Annual Meeting plans; Etihad launches sonic brand – news digest

5

Crocs calls out Skechers; LegalZoom gears up for initial public offering; SurveyMonkey rebrands as Momentive – news digest