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Africa & Middle East

From K-pop to Presley: inside the trademark portfolios of the music industry’s biggest names

When it comes to trademarks, some musicians are clearly a step ahead. For others, the need to consider protection provides a potential new client base for practitioners. We delve into the portfolios and filing trends of both global and local recording artists.

20 Mar 2019

“A game changer” – Nigeria trademark environment improves following release of opposition compendium

Nigeria’s IP office is releasing its first-ever compendium of oppositions rulings, which one local practitioner tells WTR will ensure local and international brand owners have sufficient precedent for trademark-related actions.

15 Mar 2019

What Turkey’s domestic economic difficulties mean for brands and their advisers

Political and economic circumstances have made it difficult for domestic brands to build value, which could prove to be a setback for future growth. However, this could also create opportunities for law firm practitioners.

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18 Mar 2019

Trademark owners take note: marks registered under old IP law must be renewed before 28 July 2019

Trademark owners with registrations in Burundi which were filed before the new IP Law came into force are advised to apply for the renewal of their trademarks before the deadline of 28 July 2019. Read more

15 Mar 2019

OAPI announces significant changes to the system

The African Intellectual Property Organisation authorities have announced significant changes to the legislation that underpins the OAPI system, the Bangui Agreement. Read more

8 Mar 2019

Disney ranked most intimate brand, Oman sound marks, and new Instagram ad format: news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at Dubai cracking down on social media accounts selling counterfeits, Pakistan drastically increasing its IP fees, an Indian court dismissing passing-off suits from Crocs, and much more. Read more

8 Mar 2019

From the old to the new: inside Mondelēz’s evolving brand portfolio strategy

The snack giant has traditionally focused on existing famous brands; however, the healthy living trend now presents both challenges and opportunity. Read more

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Anti-counterfeiting

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26 Feb 2019

Brazil calls for ‘.amazon’ delay, Swatch and Samsung face-off, and Lithuanian open IP data: news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at Jerry Seinfeld filing a lawsuit over a ‘counterfeit’ Porsche, a draft policy in India that could empower platforms to blacklist counterfeit sellers, and much more. Read more

12 Feb 2019

Plain packaging passed in Singapore, cat photo trademarks, and US Senate IP subcommittee: news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at a new report showing 70% of Kenyans use counterfeit products, a new system developed to identify fake logos, the Spanish football league scoring a piracy win, and much more. Read more

17 Jan 2019

Four key relationships at the heart of Teva’s pharmaceutical trademark management – exclusive interview

Laurence Rickles, chief trademark counsel at Teva, provides tips for successful pharmaceuticals brand rights management, and the four relationships that success depends on. Read more

10 Dec 2018

How INTA is helping to shape the trademark environment in Africa and the Middle East

This week, INTA is hosting its 2018 Middle East and Africa Conference. As the event kicked off, we spoke with an INTA representative to look at recent developments and why an annual meeting in the region is “a natural step”. Read more

Brand management

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5 Mar 2019

Absolute last chance to have your say on the state of the trademark industry

Trademark practitioners have one more day to participate in WTR’s annual Global Trademark Benchmarking Survey. With just hours left, do not miss out. Read more

1 Mar 2019

How branding could be a golden opportunity for mining companies

In an exclusive data analysis, we look at how mining companies have yet to appreciate the value of brand strength in an era of growing expectations around corporate social responsibility. Read more

26 Feb 2019

Just one week left to have your say on the state of the trademark industry

Trademark practitioners are running out of time to participate in WTR’s annual Global Trademark Benchmarking Survey. Do not miss out on the opportunity to share your successes, challenges and concerns. Read more

22 Feb 2019

Time to place your bets? Casino gaming companies dominate EU and US trademark registers

Online gaming has driven significant growth in the gambling industry and key players are capitalising on intellectual property to protect their innovations. Read more

Enforcement and litigation

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15 Mar 2019

OAPI announces significant changes to the system

The African Intellectual Property Organisation authorities have announced significant changes to the legislation that underpins the OAPI system, the Bangui Agreement. Read more

8 Mar 2019

Disney ranked most intimate brand, Oman sound marks, and new Instagram ad format: news digest

6 Mar 2019

Court of Appeal considers registration on basis of honest concurrent use or special circumstances

In a somewhat surprising decision, the Zambian Court of Appeal has held that the US Polo Association was entitled to register a polo player mark in Classes 18 and 25 in the face of an earlier polo player mark in the same classes, finding that there were “special circumstances” that warranted registration. Read more

1 Mar 2019

Customs recordals now possible in Kenya

As a result of a recent amendment to the Anti-counterfeiting Act, Kenya now has a system of recording trademarks with the customs authorities. Under the new system, the Anti-counterfeit Agency will be able to stop the import of counterfeit goods at ports of entry. Read more

Goverment/policy

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4 Jan 2019

Trolls on the rise, Brexit disruption and China’s domination: data trends of 2018

Having just rung in the new year, it is the perfect time to look at the trends which have characterised the trademark landscape in 2018, and discuss what is to come in 2019. Read more

4 Dec 2018

Angola brand deadline looms, France and Peru sign IP action plan, and new Chile trademark guidelines: news round-up

In our latest round-up, we look at the United Kingdom’s IP minister seat being vacant once again, question marks over affiliate links on Instagram, puns being encouraged at the Philippines IP office, and much more. Read more

18 Oct 2018

Prioritising trademarks in business: the Nigeria Air saga

The failed launch of Nigeria Air by the country’s federal government shows the importance of securing a trademark registration prior to commencing branding and marketing efforts. Read more

15 Oct 2018

“A good move for the development of IP on the African continent” – ARIPO, OAPI and WIPO pledge more cooperation

The three organisations have signed an agreement pledging increased technical cooperation, and is a continuation of rising IP collaboration in Africa. Read more

Law firms

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21 Feb 2019

Trademark opportunities and threats: have your say on the state of the industry

Our annual research is designed to give counsel – both in-house and in private practice – the opportunity to share their successes, challenges and concerns from the past 12 months. Read more

13 Feb 2019

Not long left to let us know the challenges affecting your trademark practice

For the 11th year in a row, trademark practitioners are invited to participate in our annual Global Trademark Benchmarking Survey to let us know how practice is evolving to counter new threats and embrace new opportunities. Read more

28 Sep 2018

Worldwide spread of plain packaging revealed, TMview expands, and brake pads made of grass: news round-up

In our latest round-up, we look at a study into the accidental purchases of fakes, the Fiji government stepping into a trademark dispute, Kyrgyzpatent warning about use of unregistered marks, two ‘.brands’ calling it quits, and much more. Read more

14 Sep 2018

Saudi Arabia to adopt plain packaging, T-ara resolve trademark dispute, and ICANN needs your feedback on RPMs: news round-up

In our latest round-up, we look at the US brands with the most loyal customers, 7-Eleven taking a menswear brand to court for alleged trademark infringement, and much more. Read more

IP offices

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27 Feb 2019

IP offices going above and beyond

In exclusive research, WTR looks at the innovative non-core tools and services being offered by national IP registries around the world. Read more

20 Feb 2019

“We all need to embrace change, whether we like it or not”: exclusive interview with INTA CEO

WTR speaks with Etienne Sanz de Acedo about how INTA is evolving, as well as the need for trademark practitioners to embrace the new. Read more

18 Jan 2019

Vietnam to bolster GIs, US shutdown threatens IP, and Ethiopia launches online filing system: news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at a Japanese delegation visiting the French IPO, the Austrian Patent Office introducing animated marks, Rihanna taking her father to court, and much more. 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

Online

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18 Sep 2018

Most relevant brands in China, OAPI hosts IP celebration, and Trademark Licensing Protection Act in the spotlight: news round-up

In our latest round-up, we look at the IP office of Chile extending deadlines for Japanese applicants, the WHOIS reform group at loggerheads, Indonesia stepping up anti-piracy efforts, and much more. Read more

13 Sep 2018

South African IPO recovers CIPRO domain after cybersecurity concerns

Fears over potential phishing attacks were sparked last month when it was revealed that a domain name previously used by South Africa's Companies and Intellectual Property Commission had been purchased by an individual in Mexico. Read more

4 Sep 2018

Nike in political firestorm, Lego blocks Chinese infringer, and Ghana steps up fight against fakes: news round-up

In our latest round-up, we look at a fashion brand in a dispute with two NFL teams, the New York Times shining the spotlight on illicit vendors in Barcelona, Nike facing a brand boycott due to its new Colin Kaepernick ad campaign, and much more. Read more

7 Jun 2018

New EUIPO report charts increasing sophistication and diversification of counterfeiters

The EUIPO has released a new report, compiling research since 2013, to present a comprehensive and updated picture of the scope and impact of IP rights infringement in the European Union. Read more

Portfolio management

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1 Mar 2019

How branding could be a golden opportunity for mining companies

In an exclusive data analysis, we look at how mining companies have yet to appreciate the value of brand strength in an era of growing expectations around corporate social responsibility. Read more

26 Feb 2019

Just one week left to have your say on the state of the trademark industry

22 Feb 2019

Time to place your bets? Casino gaming companies dominate EU and US trademark registers

Online gaming has driven significant growth in the gambling industry and key players are capitalising on intellectual property to protect their innovations. Read more

29 Jan 2019

OAPI trademarks: it pays to oppose

Recent OAPI trademark oppositions have highlighted the fact that the system works. Trademark owners with commercial interests in OAPI member states should be prepared to file an opposition when they feel it is warranted. Read more

Trademark law

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21 Feb 2019

Why every trademark lawyer should spend time in-house: exclusive interview with Bacardi’s Anna Panka

While legal know-how is critical for law firm practitioners, an understanding of the corporate business environment should not be underestimated. That is the message conveyed by Anna Panka, senior counsel at Bacardi, in an exclusive interview with WTR. Read more

28 Jan 2019

Litigation procedures and strategies: Saudi Arabia

Under Saudi trademark law, there are clear provisions relating to the award of damages in trademark infringement cases. However, the award of damages is dictated by the principles of Islamic Sharia. Read more

8 Jan 2019

Protecting and enforcing design rights: Israel

A design will be considered new if an identical design, or a design that differs only in non-essential details, has not been made available to the public before its disclosure date. Read more

20 Dec 2018

Franchising in Russia: a best practice guide

Russia offers great potential for franchising, but local knowledge is key if brand owners are to avoid costly missteps. Read more

latest

Trademark owners take note: marks registered under old IP law must be renewed before 28 July 2019

OAPI announces significant changes to the system

Disney ranked most intimate brand, Oman sound marks, and new Instagram ad format: news digest

From the old to the new: inside Mondelēz’s evolving brand portfolio strategy

Twitter

25 Mar 2019

@WTRmagazine RT @WebTMS: Presidential #election campaigning is under way as candidates kick off their runs for the #WhiteHouse, but how many are protec… Read more

25 Mar 2019

@WTRmagazine RT @FarsightSecInc: From K-pop to Presley: inside the trademark portfolios of the music industry’s biggest names <-"The “King of Rock and R… Read more

25 Mar 2019

@WTRmagazine RT @TheTMNinja: How Mastercard is adapting to the digital era and going sonic – exclusive interview - World Trademark Review https://t.co… Read more

25 Mar 2019

@WTRmagazine RT @Brand_Babe: Louis Vuitton victory, Apple Pencil confusion, and brand loyalty declining: news digest - World Trademark Review https://t.… Read more