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Europe

JPO launches trademark fist, IP firm coronavirus response, and EUIPO updates Brexit information: news digest

In our latest edition, we look at Pablo Escobar’s IP being put up for sale, the Singapore registry visiting Turkey, Malta joining DesignClass, the Tajikistan IPO giving its annual trademark update, and much more.

JPO launches trademark fist, IP firm coronavirus response, and EUIPO updates Brexit information: news digest
28 Jan 2020

How mental health aware initiatives are changing the legal workplace

As firms become wise to mental ill-health’s drastic toll on the legal workplace, what are firms doing to tackle the problem head on? WTR looks at EIP's mental health first aider scheme and we catch up with Dentons' chief mindfulness officer.

28 Jan 2020

How Michael Gleissner transformed the trademark environment in Latvia

WTR reveals exclusive data on the controversial portfolio-building exercise of multi-millionaire entrepreneur Michael Gleissner in Latvia and speaks with local counsel on how this activity is causing hardship for a number of businesses forced into costly legal battles.

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28 Jan 2020

easyJet v easyBet - hosting provider ordered to take down infringing website

In a landmark decision, the Commercial Court of Argovia has held that the website at ‘easybet.com’ infringed the famous EASYJET trademark and ordered the Swiss hosting provider to take down the website. Read more

28 Jan 2020

Barcelona Court of Appeal upholds criminal sentence for possession of handbags infringing well-known registered design

The Barcelona Court of Appeal has upheld a condemnatory judgment sentencing the defendant to six months’ imprisonment for the possession of 240 handbags infringing a design belonging to the Robin Ruth Group. Read more

27 Jan 2020

Blow for JTI as application for figurative IJTI mark is upheld as valid

In Japan Tobacco Inc v EUIPO, the EU General Court has confirmed that there was no likelihood of confusion between IJ Tobacco Industry’s figurative mark IJTI and Japan Tobacco Inc’s earlier figurative mark JTI. Read more

24 Jan 2020

Not blocked – Meghan, Harry and a tale of trademark misreporting

As four more notices of threatened opposition are filed, the trademark activity of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continues to pique the interest of the mainstream media. What has been particularly troubling is the significant inaccuracies in much of the coverage. Read more

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Anti-counterfeiting

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21 Jan 2020

Brands warned of ‘Greta effect’, fake kilt accessories, and caution over copycat retail sites: news digest 

In our latest edition, we look at a mass counterfeit haul in North Carolina, Mayfair Platinum defending its trademark use, a law firm appointing its first CEO, and more. Read more

17 Jan 2020

KIPO urges idol IP protection, Extinction Rebellion brand headache, and CCFN praises US-China deal: news digest 

In our latest round-up, we look at a Love Island star being reprimanded due to an Instagram post, the theme for World IP Day 2020, the Chilean IP office being praised for a reduction in the gender gap, and much more. Read more

16 Jan 2020

Turkey tackles online sales of counterfeit goods

According to the Customs Union Report (September 2019), fake and potentially dangerous goods worth nearly €740 million were stopped by various EU customs authorities in 2018. The number of interceptions of fake goods imported into the European Union increased as a result of the large volume of small parcels sent in the post. Read more

10 Jan 2020

China is top threat and Saudi Arabia added to EC’s third-country priority list

The European Commission has published its biennial report on protection and enforcement of IP rights in third countries, with some new additions to the priority list as well as an update to the countries which require further monitoring. Read more

Brand management

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22 Jan 2020

Amazon retains world’s most valuable brand title by smashing through $200 billion barrier

Amazon has once again been named "the world’s most valuable brand", with its brand valued at over $200 billion in the latest Brand Finance Global 500 report. It is not good news for all though, with a brand value slowdown suggesting that troubled times could lie ahead. Read more

22 Jan 2020

Marillyn Hewson named world’s best brand guardian, but ranking remains dominated by men

The CEO of Lockheed Martin, Marillyn Hewson, has been named the “world’s best brand guardian” in a new report from Brand Finance. However, she is one of just four women in the top 100 ranking, highlighting a stark gender disparity. Read more

17 Jan 2020

Siemens’ controversial coal mine contract has put brand at risk of greenwashing accusations

The German conglomerate has portrayed itself as a steward of sustainability, but when it comes to corporate social responsibility, it’s an all or nothing game as this week’s coal mine contract backlash illustrates. Read more

16 Jan 2020

Participate in the 2020 Global Benchmarking Survey to be in with your chance to win a place at a WTR event

WTR is inviting trademark professionals across the globe to participate in our annual Global Trademark Benchmarking Survey. All participants will be entered into a draw to win one of five free places at an upcoming WTR event. Read more

Enforcement and litigation

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28 Jan 2020

easyJet v easyBet - hosting provider ordered to take down infringing website

In a landmark decision, the Commercial Court of Argovia has held that the website at ‘easybet.com’ infringed the famous EASYJET trademark and ordered the Swiss hosting provider to take down the website. Read more

28 Jan 2020

Barcelona Court of Appeal upholds criminal sentence for possession of handbags infringing well-known registered design

The Barcelona Court of Appeal has upheld a condemnatory judgment sentencing the defendant to six months’ imprisonment for the possession of 240 handbags infringing a design belonging to the Robin Ruth Group. Read more

27 Jan 2020

Blow for JTI as application for figurative IJTI mark is upheld as valid

In Japan Tobacco Inc v EUIPO, the EU General Court has confirmed that there was no likelihood of confusion between IJ Tobacco Industry’s figurative mark IJTI and Japan Tobacco Inc’s earlier figurative mark JTI. Read more

23 Jan 2020

Sussex Royal trademark challenged: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle face legal battle after receiving threat of opposition

A trademark application filed by the Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for the brand name 'Sussex Royal' has received a notice of threatened opposition this week, WTR can reveal.  Read more

Goverment/policy

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24 Jan 2020

Ukraine amends GI law – what you need to know

Amendments to the Ukrainian Law on Geographical Indications, which bring the national legislation into line with Regulation 1151/2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs, entered into force on 1 January 2020.   Read more

17 Jan 2020

R&D investor study finds benchmarking, not multi-dimensional portfolios, a key factor in market value

A study of corporate R&D investors has found that while some companies place significant value on IP portfolios that include a combination of rights, markets grant higher premiums to those that are more innovative than their competitors. Read more

16 Jan 2020

Extinction Rebellion’s terror group classification shines spotlight on brand relationships with causes

Although the listing was only temporary for Extinction Rebellion, the incident serves as a reminder of the nuances that come into play when a brand aligns with political movements. Read more

10 Jan 2020

CANNABIS decision: coffee and (space) cakes at the General Court

In Conte v EUIPO, the EU General Court has confirmed that the mark CANNABIS STORE AMSTERDAM was contrary to public policy or to accepted principles of morality under Article 7(1)(f) of EU Regulation 2017/1001. Read more

Law firms

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13 Jan 2020

IP services sector gets new player, as Novagraaf and PAVIS prepare to ramp up NovumIP launch

Novagraaf and PAVIS recently joined forces to create a new IP service provider. In an exclusive interview with WTR, the chairman of the new entity, NovumIP, has expanded on how it will become "a new force in the IP market". Read more

7 Jan 2020

Have your say on critical trademark industry trends and emerging brand protection challenges

WTR is inviting trademark professionals across the globe to participate in our annual Global Trademark Benchmarking Survey, which measures the pulse of the industry and tracks the latest trends. Read more

2 Jan 2020

The new model – how the traditional law firm model is evolving

As client demands evolve and change, so too do law firm models. From virtual practices to digital packages and subscription services, the options are myriad. But which will stand the test of time and which best suit client needs? Read more

31 Dec 2019

What the future holds for law firms: how traditional models are evolving

As client demands change, so too are law firm models. From virtual practices to digital packages and subscription services, the options are myriad. But which will stand the test of time and which best suit client needs?  Read more

IP offices

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8 Jan 2020

Tackling the stigma of disability in intellectual property: interview with IP Ability co-chairs

WTR speaks to Marianne Privett and Francesca Rivers, the co-chairs of IP Ability, a new community attempting to address diversity and inclusion challenges for neurodiverse and physically disabled IP professionals. Read more

2 Jan 2020

Around the world in 18 predictions

As a new decade dawns, World Trademark Review asks practitioners around the world for their top takeaways from 2019 and their predictions for the year ahead. Read more

19 Dec 2019

Board of Appeal reorganisation and changes to trademark-related administrative proceedings: what you need to know  

Following the implementation of the Trademark Directive in Estonia, the Board of Appeal has been reorganised, and substantial changes have been made to the opposition procedure and the board’s scope of jurisdiction. Read more

18 Dec 2019

New Copyright Bill in South Africa, changes to the Lanham Act and merger of Kenyan authorities: 2020 predictions for the Americas, Europe and Africa

Reflecting on an eventful year, WTR asked experts around the world for their top takeaways from 2019 and their expectations for the next 12 months. With recent decisions likely to have a significant effect, we take a closer look at the Americas, Europe and Africa. Read more

Online

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7 Jan 2020

TikTok transparency report reveals positive data for IP owners

Chinese video-sharing social platform TikTok has released its first legal transparency report, revealing that it removes content for IP infringement at a higher rate than Facebook. Read more

2 Jan 2020

#FairUse? Third-party trademarks in social media hashtags

European and US case law suggests that there are very few situations in which use of a third party’s trademark in a hashtag is permissible. As a result, those looking to advertise on social media need to be aware of the strict rules that apply. Read more

10 Dec 2019

Baby Yoda IP protection, wilful counterfeit purchasing, and Fashion Week legal battle intensifies: news digest 

In our latest round-up, we look at a law firm launching a new trademark monitoring tool, some of the brand protection trends to expect in 2020, how Chinese trademark applications are on the rise in Canada, and much more. Read more

6 Dec 2019

Turkey implements plain packaging, Trump trademark spike, and INTA awareness call: news digest

In our latest edition, we look at the resolution of a trademark dispute between the Ramone family, brand loyalty rising, a vegan butcher taking on Nestlé at the USPTO, and much more. Read more

Portfolio management

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24 Jan 2020

Brand Tracker: the filing trends of the world’s most valuable brands  

In the first instalment of a new series, we track the trademark filing activity of the world’s most valuable brands – revealing that Mercedes-Benz may be gearing up to launch an AI assistant. Read more

23 Jan 2020

Blow for Nestlé as General Court finds that it failed to establish reputation of its ONE mark

In Amigüitos pets & life v EUIPO, the General Court has scored one for the little guy against big hitter Nestlé. Read more

21 Jan 2020

Sony v EUIPO: when “annulment” really means “annulment”

The EU General Court has annulled a decision of the Fourth Board of Appeal of the EUIPO in revocation proceedings involving Sony’s mark VITA, as the board had failed to fulfil its obligation to hand down a fresh decision on all the relevant issues. Read more

20 Jan 2020

Nivea - recognise the blue?

The dispute between Unilever and Beiersdorf over the latter’s abstract colour mark for its ‘Nivea Blue’, which lasted for over a decade, has finally come to an end. Read more

Trademark law

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23 Jan 2020

Sussex Royal trademark challenged: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle face legal battle after receiving threat of opposition

A trademark application filed by the Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for the brand name 'Sussex Royal' has received a notice of threatened opposition this week, WTR can reveal.  Read more

23 Jan 2020

A third of companies admit uncertainty over post-Brexit trademark strategy

A new study has revealed that a third of UK and European businesses remain uncertain of what their trademark registration strategy will be after the UK leaves the European Union. Read more

21 Jan 2020

“UK will become paradise for free riders”: CJEU referral highlights potential Brexit IP schism

Four questions have been referred to the CJEU which could lead to a landmark judgement on a trademark owners’ rights to stop resales. The decision may further enlarge the gulf between the UK and the EU's position on exhaustion post-Brexit. Read more

21 Jan 2020

Sussex Royal trademark: Meghan and Harry in strong legal position to protect their brand

Question marks have arisen over Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's use of 'Sussex Royal'. Talking to WTR, trademark experts claim that, when it comes to obtaining registered trademark protection, their position appears to be strong. Read more

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Sussex Royal trademark challenged: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle face legal battle after receiving threat of opposition

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easyJet v easyBet - hosting provider ordered to take down infringing website

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Barcelona Court of Appeal upholds criminal sentence for possession of handbags infringing well-known registered design

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Blow for JTI as application for figurative IJTI mark is upheld as valid

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Not blocked – Meghan, Harry and a tale of trademark misreporting

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