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Africa & Middle East

Royal Family trademark feud; Uganda joins TMclass; counterfeits seized in Zhejiang – news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at how Microsoft’s bid for TikTok is still on the table, Victoria Beckham launching on Tmall Global, Kappa Japan (and associated IP assets) being sold, Monster Energy in a dispute with Bang Energy, and much more.

Royal Family trademark feud; Uganda joins TMclass; counterfeits seized in Zhejiang – news digest
Jeff Bezos on fake goods; Dyson counterfeiters jailed; trademarks at risk in Kenya – news digest
31 Jul 2020

Jeff Bezos on fake goods; Dyson counterfeiters jailed; trademarks at risk in Kenya – news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at INTA’s Unreal Campaign going virtual, how counterfeiting is on the rise in India, Romania upgrading its e-filing system, and much more.

Counterfeit hotspots in Mauritius that brand owners must be aware of
30 Jul 2020

Counterfeit hotspots in Mauritius 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 the Indian Ocean and the island nation of Mauritius.

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6 Aug 2020

African database searches uncover small rise in corona or covid-related marks

IP experts explore the filing numbers for covid-19-related marks in jurisdictions across Africa. The numbers suggest that nations have not jumped to capitalise on the pandemic, with closures at IP offices possibly being the reason for this. Read more

30 Jul 2020

Confusion remains over the not-so-young Trademarks Act of Sierra Leone

The Sierra Leone Trademarks Act 2014 has caused much confusion among rights holders, as there is little clarification of its application and date of entry into force. While the country’s registry has informally announced that the act is in effect, uncertainty remains surrounding its application. However, recent regulations hope to shed some light on the matter. Read more

29 Jul 2020

Time is running out to have your say on whether non-legal trademark services suppliers are delivering what you need

WTR needs your views on trademark search, watch and portfolio management services. Read more

27 Jul 2020

Dyson, Jack Daniels, Walmart and more join expert roster for WTR Connect

WTR can now reveal more speakers to our upcoming WTR Connect event, including experts from Amazon, ASOS, Dyson, Gilead, Jack Daniels, SuperDry and Walmart. Read more

Anti-Counterfeiting

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8 Jul 2020

Enforcement in Africa: key qualities of a continent-wide brand protection strategy

WTR traverses the whole of Africa to provide brand owners with a comprehensive guide to brand protection across the region. Read more

8 Jul 2020

EUIPO top filers, China litigation data, diversity in trademarks, and much more: WTR’s summer edition now available

The summer issue of WTR is now available to subscribers; and includes an exploration of how private investigators are being employed by rights holders, analysis on the IP effects of the covid-19 pandemic, and much more. Read more

7 Jul 2020

Counterfeit hotspots in Madagascar 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 the island nation of Madagascar. Read more

22 May 2020

IP Hall of Fame 2020 inductees revealed; Anaqua and Clarivate team up; Mozambique acedes to Banjul Protocol – news digest

In our latest edition, we look at the Eddie Stobart trademark being sold for £10 million, how a reluctance to seek medical help is leading to a rise in counterfeit goods, and much more. Read more

Brand management

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21 Jul 2020

“The death of trademark” – study finds that AI could adversely affect brand usage

A new research paper has looked at how improvements in AI could affect trademark doctrine – with the academic behind the study claiming that “trademarks may become less important in the future”. Read more

14 Jul 2020

Experts from Amazon, GSK, Hugo Boss, Sony, Target and Disney among first confirmed participants for WTR Connect

WTR can now reveal the first confirmed participants to our upcoming WTR Connect event, including David Gooder, USPTO commissioner of trademarks, and experts from companies including Burberry, Starbucks and Under Armour. Read more

3 Jul 2020

Trademark strategy is an early focus of the world’s top disruptors

Analysis of this year’s disruptor list reveals that these start-ups defy the typical IP filing process. Read more

2 Jul 2020

Are non-legal trademark services suppliers delivering what you need? WTR wants to know

WTR is polling law firm and corporate trademark professionals for their thoughts on how the trademark services sector is matching up to expectations. Read more

Enforcement and Litigation

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30 Jun 2020

Kenya’s journey towards a harmonised IP legal regime

The Intellectual Property Bill 2020 represents a significant step towards the strengthening of IP rights in Kenya. However, the bill contains gaps that threaten the practicality of the legislation. Read more

19 Jun 2020

Kenya trademark removal risk; warning over “egregious” scam email; ‘.brands’ scrap heap – news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at AT&T considering the sale of Warner Bros Interactive, a sushi trademark dispute, ICANN and Global Cyber Alliance partnering up, and much more. Read more

19 Jun 2020

3D mark for Rubik’s Cube shape struck off register

In Extreme Toys Ltd v Seven Towns SA, the Israeli registrar of trademarks has held that the shape of the Rubik’s Cube was functional and was thus ineligible for registration as a 3D mark. Read more

28 May 2020

Final chance to share your insights on private investigators and brand protection

There’s just a couple of days left for WTR readers to share their perspective on how private investigators are assisting their brand protection work, and the challenges currently being faced when working with third-party investigators. Read more

Government/Policy

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26 Jun 2020

Rise of the activist consumer: relationship between activism and brand loyalty revealed

A new report examines the links between activism and consumer behaviour, finding an increasing number of US consumers are making spending choices based on their social and political values. Read more

18 May 2020

“Information is our most effective weapon” – insights from the frontline of scambaiting

Talking to WTR, the content creator behind the popular Atomic Shrimp channel reveals the changing nature of scam emails and outlines what major brands can do to more effectively combat this long-time foe. Read more

1 May 2020

Star Wars hashtag controversy; Puma and Nike spar over FOOTWARE; EU geographical indications denounced – news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at Amazon verifying sellers using online video, fashion brands taking a community angle, exhausting the covid-19 price gougers, a joint message from the USPTO and EPO, and much more. Read more

14 Apr 2020

INTA’s donation drive and trademark community efforts to step up the covid-19 response

In our latest opinion piece we consider INTA’s recently established covid-19 donation drive. Read more

Law Firms

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26 Jun 2020

How the virtual boutique finds the middle ground between law firm models

IP attorney Julia Anne Matheson explains why the Potomac Law Group has developed a business model that could shape the future of the trademark industry. Read more

27 May 2020

Digital receptions: how law firms are approaching networking for INTA’s virtual 2020 Annual Meeting

With the INTA confirming that its 2020 Annual Meeting will be a virtual event, law firms and service providers must now decide whether to host a networking reception in a digital environment. Read more

26 May 2020

Manchester United targets Football Manager; Alibaba cooperation call; new gTLD use rising – news digest

In our latest edition, we look at China hitting back at covid-19 infringers, Off-White continuing to seek a red zip-tie trademark, IP complaints going digital in Bahrain, and much more. Read more

20 May 2020

How do private investigators assist in brand protection cases?

WTR readers have a last chance to share their perspective on how private investigators are assisting their brand protection work, and the challenges currently being faced when working with PIs. Read more

IP Offices

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24 Jun 2020

New Trademarks Journal published amid covid-19 lockdown

Following the easing of the lockdown restrictions in certain parts of Nigeria, the Trademarks Registry published its latest Trademarks Journal on 29 May 2020. Despite this achievement, the covid-19 pandemic has underscored the urgency of fully embracing the electronic system. Read more

5 May 2020

Snapdeal snaps at USTR; Anheuser-Busch prevails; Ghana raises trademark fees – news digest

In our latest edition, we look at the South Africa Supreme Court of Appeals confirming it will hear a Swiss watch trademark suit, Partnerize acquiring BrandVerity, law firms delaying partner promotions due to covid-19, and much more. Read more

28 Apr 2020

Impact of covid-19 lockdown on trademark practice in Nigeria

Nigeria’s main cities have been in lockdown due to the covid-19 pandemic since 30 March 2020. The registry’s lack of action is creating uncertainties for trademark owners and applicants, and is likely to result in additional backlog once the lockdown is lifted. Read more

23 Apr 2020

UAE Trademark Office reduces official fees

In a welcome development for trademark owners, the UAE Trademark Office has reduced the majority of its official fees by up to 30%, including for searching, filing, registration, renewal and oppositions. Read more

Online

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24 Jun 2020

Brand protection challenges of domain management: 83% of companies at risk of hijacking, report shows

An alarming number of major organisations do not have sufficiently protected domains, says a new report, and such risk has significant brand protection implications. Read more

4 Jun 2020

Google victorious in Iranian domain name dispute

Google has obtained the transfer of the domain names ‘iran-google.ir’ and ‘iran-google.com’, which had been registered by the same individual. Read more

12 May 2020

A new normal: trademark community on life during and after the coronavirus pandemic – exclusive survey results

New research from WTR reveals the brand protection challenges being faced by trademark professionals during the covid-19 crisis, finding practitioners facing significant salary cuts, increased infringement and the spectre of budgets being slashed. Read more

6 May 2020

Private investigators and brand protection: have your say

WTR is inviting trademark industry professionals to share their perspective on how private investigators (PIs) are assisting with brand protection work, and the challenges currently being faced when finding and working with PIs. Read more

Portfolio Management

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15 May 2020

What the Virgin Media and O2 deal tells us about the branding struggles of telecom providers

The industry’s major players do a poor job of building consumer loyalty, and there is the constant risk of smaller, more flexible companies disrupting the market. Read more

14 May 2020

SUGARLESS v SUGARLEAN: Supreme Court of Appeal explores fundamental issues of IP law

In Quad Africa Energy (Pty) Ltd v The Sugarless Company (Pty) Ltd, South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal has considered the fine balance which must be found between the monopoly granted by IP rights and fair trade and competition. Read more

13 May 2020

Dubai International Financial Centre introduces encouraging new IP law

The new Dubai International Financial Centre IP Law introduces a number of common law and best practice concepts to the wider UAE IP landscape. Read more

6 Apr 2020

Managing finite filing budgets; the looming brand value crisis; Intel on diversity: new edition of WTR is now live

The Spring 2020 edition of WTR is now available online to subscribers, offering the latest litigation tips, insight into IP office innovation, wellbeing considerations, and much more. Read more

Trademark law

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23 Apr 2020

Procedures and strategies for anti-counterfeiting: Israel

Customs is authorised to seize suspected goods (whether as a result of a complaint submitted by the rights holder or as a result of a random examination of shipments arriving in Israel). Read more

23 Apr 2020

Procedures and strategies for anti-counterfeiting: Saudi Arabia

Any rights holder whose trademark has been infringed is entitled to file a civil action against the infringer before the competent commercial court in order to claim compensation. Read more

6 Apr 2020

Brand creation and protection: out with the old

Trademark experts from across the globe offer critical insight into brand creation best practice and guidance on pitfalls to avoid. Read more

6 Apr 2020

Where Sharia meets intellectual property: brand protection in GCC states

For brand owners that need to protect and enforce their intellectual property in the Persian Gulf, understanding the impact of Sharia law can help to ensure their actions are more effective. Read more

Trending

1

“The death of trademark” – study finds that AI could adversely affect brand usage

2

Jeff Bezos on fake goods; Dyson counterfeiters jailed; trademarks at risk in Kenya – news digest

3

Counterfeit hotspots in Mauritius that brand owners must be aware of

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Royal Family trademark feud; Uganda joins TMclass; counterfeits seized in Zhejiang – news digest

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Dyson, Jack Daniels, Walmart and more join expert roster for WTR Connect

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Serra Coral
Managing Partner
Istanbul, Turkey
Deriş Attorney-At-Law Partnership
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