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Africa & Middle East

Extinction Rebellion trademark, Egypt fee rise, and Crocs Gloves in art gallery: news digest

In our latest edition, we look at Māori uproar over a New Zealand trademark application, WIPO in Hungary, MARQUES addressing long goods and services lists at the EUIPO, and much more.

12 Sep 2019

WTR Industry Awards 2020 nomination window now open

WTR is now seeking nominations for the WTR Industry Awards 2020 and next edition of WTR 300: The World’s Leading Corporate Trademark Professionals. Nominate now to recognise the leading in-house professionals.

21 Aug 2019

From Jumia to Ozon: the regional e-commerce sites that rights holders need to be policing

Outside of North America and China, new ecommerce marketplaces are springing up at an increasing rate. As these regional platforms grow, infringers have swarmed to them in response to the global platforms’ growing anti-counterfeiting efforts.

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28 Aug 2019

Colour trademarks: Tel Aviv District Court grants interim relief against combination of colours and graphics similar to that of Orange

In a decision devoted to the protection of colour trademarks, the court ruled that 018 Shop Ltd, a newcomer to the telecoms market, could not use a combination of colours and graphics similar to that used by global network brand Orange. Read more

15 Aug 2019

Six ways to evolve your practice to meet client demands: insights from the law firm elite

We explore how changing client demands are shaping the modern law firm practice – and present insight into how to future-proof operations. 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

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Anti-counterfeiting

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14 Jun 2019

EUIPO enforcement portal, most cyber-attacked brands, and ACG anti-counterfeiting award winners: news digest

In our latest edition, we look at changes to Canadian registrations occurring next week, Unilever seeing a pay-off from purpose-led brands, brands being reminded to renew marks in Rwanda, and much more. Read more

12 Jun 2019

Protecting IP in Africa’s free trade environment: a “monumental task” for negotiators

A free trade area spanning the continent of Africa is a step closer to becoming reality, with 7 July announced as the date of official launch. We look at the range of IP challenges this will create. Read more

11 Jun 2019

South African police attacked during counterfeit raid, Chile IP office new director, and Airbnb versus Hairbnb: news digest

In our latest edition, we look at the 2 millionth trademark application at the EUIPO, a new report finding that UK students are "actively disloyal" to brands, a collection of fake video games released, and much more. Read more

4 Jun 2019

Supreme prevails in China, fake Trump socks, and the most well-known brands in Africa revealed: news digest

In our latest news digest, we look at the rise of sonic brands, how brand investment in influencers is on the rise, ICE sending out a warning before the NBA finals, the New Zealand IP Office warning of scam letters, and much more. Read more

Brand management

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2 Aug 2019

De Beers’ winning strategy: if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em

The world-renowned diamond company has drastically shifted its brand strategy in the past year, managing to strengthen its own market position while weakening that of its rivals. Read more

28 Jun 2019

Inside Facebook’s trademark portfolio as company reacts to criticism and boosts value

The tech giant has managed to withstand the negative impact of criticism over its handling of users’ data and policing of content. The future, though, will bring new challenges. Read more

11 Jun 2019

The top trademark hotspots and stories of 2019 so far: a data deep-dive

As we near the halfway point of the year, the WTR platform has had just over 163,000 users. Analysis of the data reveals the regions and cities that are hotspots for interest in trademarks. Read more

16 May 2019

From Apple to Zwilling: the world’s leading corporate trademark professionals revealed

Released today, the third edition of the WTR 300: The World’s Leading Corporate Trademark Professionals identifies the individuals deemed to be the leading lights of the corporate trademark world. Read more

Enforcement and litigation

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14 Aug 2019

Nigerian Trademark Registry: recent developments expected to benefit IP system

29 Jul 2019

New dawn in Nigeria: evolution of the trademark ecosystem in Africa’s biggest economy

Nigeria has long been a challenging jurisdiction in which to obtain and enforce registered trademark rights. Recent changes represent significant and positive steps forward, as issues are finally being addressed. Read more

12 Jul 2019

Trademark solicitation scams: identifying the scale of the issue

In a major upcoming investigation, WTR will look at the scourge of trademark solicitation scams. Today we ask readers to share their experience of spurious trademark invoices. Read more

9 Jul 2019

Brands embracing Pride, DanTDM calls out fakes, and UAE slashes trademark fees: news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at British Airways being hit with a sky-high fine for a GDPR violation, counterfeit seizures in South Africa and Tanzania, China’s trademark office growth continuing, and much more. Read more

Goverment/policy

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30 Jul 2019

Why the legal profession should encourage diversity and inclusion

Embracing diversity and nurturing inclusion is not only the right thing to do, it is good business. Yet the legal profession has been slow to change and capture the opportunity. Read more

1 Jul 2019

Entering the Gulf – top tips for brand licensing and franchising in the Middle East

Some of the world’s biggest events, including the FIFA World Cup, are set to be held in the Middle East in the next few years. In an exclusive guest post, two experts from the region offer insights for international rights holders on brand licensing in the Gulf region. Read more

26 Apr 2019

World IP Day celebrated around the globe, Special 301 released, and IP Australia annual report: news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at planned IP improvements in Kuwait, research which finds consumers are quick to “dump brands”, LL Cool J prevailing in a trademark dispute, and much more. Read more

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. Read more

Law firms

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1 Aug 2019

Mind the gap – why law firms must bridge the gender divide

The legal sector is traditionally a male-dominated industry and although that is changing, more work needs to be done to combat inequality. Read more

1 May 2019

Welcome to your new-look WTR magazine

The latest issue of WTR magazine has gone live online today, and subscribers will note a major number of changes to the magazine and new types of content, all designed to maximise the value of their subscription. Read more

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

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

IP offices

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24 Jul 2019

New dawn for trademarks in Nigeria – all eyes are on regime overhaul

IP protection in Africa’s largest economy is undergoing major changes, as Nigeria’s new Trademarks Registry launches a set of ambitious plans to ensure that the country’s trademark regime is fit for purpose in the globalised world. Read more

24 Jul 2019

China, India, US rise; Japan, Singapore, UK fall – Global Innovation Index 2019 report released

WIPO has revealed the world’s most innovative countries. In a new report it places Switzerland, Sweden and the United States at the top of the list, with the Netherlands, Singapore and the United Kingdom falling down the rankings. Read more

17 Jul 2019

UAE trademark office implements substantial reduction in registration and renewal fees

In a move that will be welcomed by local and international brand owners, the UAE trademark office has reduced the registration fee payable for trademark applications by one-third. Read more

2 Jul 2019

How AI will revolutionise trademark searches

Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel have looked at how advanced AI tools will transform the way in which trademark searches are conducted in the future – and, in an exclusive guest post, expand on what this means for trademark practitioners. Read more

Online

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18 Apr 2019

Latest free-to-view intelligence on protecting brands in the online environment now available

WTR has published the sixth edition of Online Brand Enforcement: Protecting Your Trademarks in the Electronic Environment. Available now, the free-to-view publication offers the latest guidance on brand management best practice. Read more

21 Mar 2019

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. Read more

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

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

Portfolio management

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21 May 2019

ILPTO upholds registration of former Soviet trademarks for sweets

The Israel Patent and Trademark Office has considered an interesting dispute concerning several marks registered in the name of two major Russian confectionery manufacturers for sweets from the Soviet era. Read more

2 May 2019

High Court clarifies legal position on conflicting trademark and business name rights

A recent Kenyan High Court decision has clarified the legal position in respect of the conflict between trademark and business name rights, which has arisen primarily because the trademarks registry and the business names registry are not interlinked. Read more

1 May 2019

Considerations for smart soft IP due diligence from a litigator’s perspective

Many companies have learned the hard way that unidentified IP issues can cause serious trouble, whether immediately or even years after closing a transaction. A strategic approach to IP portfolio due diligence is thus critical to avoid future problems. Read more

17 Apr 2019

Ethiopia introduces online trademark filing system

The Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office has officially adopted an online trademark filing system. It is expected that the new system will change the culture of doing business and obtaining trademark registrations in the country. Read more

Trademark law

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29 Jul 2019

New dawn in Nigeria: evolution of the trademark ecosystem in Africa’s biggest economy

9 Jul 2019

Brands embracing Pride, DanTDM calls out fakes, and UAE slashes trademark fees: news digest

26 Jun 2019

FIFA reflects on scoring an IP enforcement win at the 2018 World Cup in Russia

Daniel Zohny, IP head at FIFA, looks back at the intense workload taken on by his team during the 2018 World Cup and looks forward to the next tournament as the worthy winner of WTR’s Sports, Entertainment and Media Team of the Year. Read more

13 May 2019

How the next South African government will impact trademark professionals

The people of South Africa took to the polls last week, with the country’s president Cyril Ramaphosa leading the ANC party to victory with its lowest majority ever. We explore what trademark practitioners should expect from the ANC’s next five years. Read more

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Colour trademarks: Tel Aviv District Court grants interim relief against combination of colours and graphics similar to that of Orange

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19 Sep 2019

@WTRmagazine Brexit fraud, employee happiness and law firm technology – takeaways from MARQUES 2019. https://t.co/LN8J9704I6… https://t.co/IFDKJoCDh6 Read more

18 Sep 2019

@WTRmagazine World Trademark Review is now inviting nominations for its extensive annual research project, designed to identify… https://t.co/2tNU5VsWG9 Read more

18 Sep 2019

@WTRmagazine RT @GARalerts: Our sister brand @WTRmagazine has just launched the first edition of Global Leaders. Check it out: https://t.co/l4OsoxcUeK… Read more

18 Sep 2019

@WTRmagazine RT @gcr_alerts: Our sister brand @WTRmagazine has just launched the first edition of Global Leaders. Check it out: https://t.co/lTvje1Y2KJ… Read more