In an exclusive guest post, representatives from the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) reveal the agency’s innovative non-core tools and services for trademark users – and those planned for the future.
In response to the covid-19 pandemic, the Canadian Trademarks Office is now accepting requests to expedite examination of trademark applications that cover goods or services relating to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment or cure of covid-19. Read more
Hard-working representatives from registries in Canada, France, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States reveal what makes them tick and how to guarantee a successful trademark application in their jurisdiction. Read more
This decision of the Quebec Court of Appeal is good news for distributors whose rights under an exclusive distribution agreement are knowingly undermined by third parties selling grey market goods. Read more
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
Unsurprisingly, 2019 also saw the increase of shipments detained destined for fulfilment centres associated with e-commerce third-party marketplaces. Read more
In our latest round-up, we look at INTA bringing the Unreal Campaign to Lima, the UAE IP office forgoing certain fees, Stan Lee’s daughter suing POW! Entertainment, and much more. Read more
With significant changes to the Canadian trademark system taking effect last year, analysis of the landscape 12 months on reveals some important emerging nuances in practice. Read more
The WTR Brand elite project aims to track how companies that invest in their brands and are supported by market-leading trademark teams perform against stock market indices. Read more
In an exclusive guest post, academics in Australia share findings from their new study into the first database that links equivalent trademarks across national offices into a single comprehensive offering. Read more
The Canadian Federal Court of Appeal’s long-awaited decision on what constitutes trademark “use” in association with services in the internet age has finally been released. Read more
The Canadian Trademarks Office and the Federal Court of Canada have taken concrete steps to mitigate the effects of the covid-19 pandemic that have permanently changed trademark practice in Canada. Read more
The number of applications filed by so-called ‘trademark trolls’ seems to have increased since the elimination of the use requirement in Canada, but the notification of third-party rights process introduced a year ago has been helping IP owners protect themselves online. Read more
While the decision of Canada’s Federal Court of Appeal in Energizer Brands v The Gillette Company avoided squarely addressing the limits of claims for depreciation of goodwillunder Section 22 of the Trademarks Act, the case may ultimately result in greater clarity. Read more
Twelve months after significant trademark reforms took effect in Canada, analysis of the IP landscape highlights five important areas that brand owners have learned to navigate so far. Read more
In exclusive comments to WTR, the Canadian IP Office (CIPO) has revealed the factors that have led to lengthy examination timeframes. However, efforts are being made to speed up examinations. Read more
The Canadian, Mexican and US governments have signed an amended version of the USMCA, meaning that ratification is a significant step closer – with the deal highlighting what IP concessions the Trump Administration will expect in future trade deals. Read more
On 17 June 2019 significant amendments were introduced to the Trademarks Act with a view to bringing Canada’s trademark regime into line with the Nice Agreement, among others. This update provides some fee-based strategies to use under the amended act. Read more
As the data continues to be updated, we are able to get a better understanding of the extent of the coronavirus’ impact on the trademark ecosystem. Read more
In our latest news round-up, we look at how Alibaba is seeking increased brand engagement, Anheuser-Busch making a play for the esports industry, a USPTO call for comments, Albania’s accession to the Geneva Act and much more. Read more
In our latest news digest, we look at Disney powering up its brand with its 21st Century Fox acquisition, Chinese supermarkets removing fake Starbucks items from shelves, a football club losing a trademark fight, and much more. Read more
This data deep dive explores US filing strategies by country, revealing that Chinese applicants increasingly favour direct applications while European-based businesses continue to utilise the WIPO route. Read more
The adoption of the Nice Classification in Canada has led to requests for greater specificity in the description of the goods and/or services. Read more
In our latest news digest, we look at an anti-monopoly committee in Uzbekistan clamping down on a Coca-Cola copy, the BBC drawing ire for perceived slogan nabbing, and much more. Read more
Trademark reforms proposed by the Canadian government are positive for brand owners, with mechanisms to tackle trademark squatting and modernised dispute resolution proceedings. Read more
Trademark experts offer insight into the advertising regimes in their respective jurisdictions and, crucially, how brands can avoid falling foul of the law. Read more
A recent academic study exploring the need for updated regulation governing domain names in the United States has suggested that, with many brand owners adopting a laid back, wait-and-see approach to registrations, initial complaints surrounding the high costs of the ‘.sucks’ domain name may have been overblown. Read more
A recent decision under Canada’s Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy shows that deeming correspondence “without prejudice” may impact a complainant’s ability to prove the registrant’s bad faith and could ultimately decide the outcome of the dispute. Read more
In our latest round-up, we look at a registry’s plans to charge trademark owners for access to WHOIS data and the war of words over plans for an IP markets watch list. Read more
The company has struggled as consumers increasingly opt for healthier products. Now it is seeking new ways to monetise its iconic brands while simultaneously implementing a transformation strategy. Read more
With the rise of autonomous driving technology, ride-hailing companies and micromobility transportation, traditional automotive manufacturers need to evolve fast. Positively, the strength and reputation of existing brands will prove key to fighting off digital start-ups. Read more
Direct-to-consumer brands have proved to be a problem for the American consumer goods behemoth Procter & Gamble, but a new customer-centric strategy combined with data resources could help the company regain lost ground. Read more
An Indian court recently ruled that God's name was registrable as a trademark. We spoke to experts across four key jurisdictions about the different risks brands should be aware of before registering a religious name as a mark. Read more
A Quebec court’s ruling in a high-profile parody case has reignited discussion about the treatment of satire in Canadian trademark law. We speak to two market experts, who consider whether more legal clarity is required. Read more
The Competition Act prohibits promoting a product by making a representation that is false or misleading in a material respect. This provision is typically asserted in conjunction with other causes of action under the Trademarks Act. Read more