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Brexit fraud, employee happiness and law firm technology – takeaways from MARQUES 2019

As hundreds of trademark practitioners descend on Dublin this week to attend the 2019 MARQUES Annual Conference, we provide key learnings from one of the biggest trademark events of the year.

13 Sep 2019

The brand battles rage on between legacy airlines and low-cost carriers

The evolution of the air travel industry has blurred the line between premium and cost-conscious brands. There are problems for both on the horizon as social media puts reputations at risk and consumers call for more environmentally friendly modes of transportation.

13 Sep 2019

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.

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Today

CJEU clarifies jurisdiction in online infringement cases: the consumers' country is the place of infringement

In a victory for trademark owners, the Court of Justice of the European Union has clarified the issue of jurisdiction in cases involving the online infringement of EU trademarks. Read more

16 Sep 2019

MONOPOLY case: a new light on bad faith?

The decision of the Board of Appeal of the EUIPO in invalidity proceedings involving Hasbro Inc’s mark MONOPOLY marked a new approach in the application of the concept of ‘bad faith’ under Article 59(1)(b) of the Trademark Regulation. Read more

13 Sep 2019

Figurative mark RIMI GOODLIFE found to be similar to word mark GOODLIFE

The Appeals Division of the Lithuanian State Patent Bureau has upheld an opposition filed by Goodlife Foods Limited against the registration of the figurative mark RIMI GOODLIFE by ICA AB. Read more

13 Sep 2019

Defensive trademark registrations: the adidas and Mastercard cases

In two recent cases, defensive EU trademarks belonging to adidas and Mastercard have been cancelled on the grounds of non-use. Read more

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Anti-counterfeiting

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6 Sep 2019

KFC dragged into UK politics, identifying a trademark bully, and EUIPO on long applications: news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at the CEO of WeWork returning a “trademark payment” to the company, Ariana Grande suing Forever 21, debate over dropping word marks, and much more. Read more

5 Sep 2019

UKIPO paints differing pictures on Brexit preparedness as IP minister quits

The UK Intellectual Property Office has shed new light on its Brexit preparations, which has led to a renewed call for the position of UK trademark attorneys in the event of a no-deal Brexit to be addressed “as a matter of urgency”. Read more

5 Sep 2019

Kicking out counterfeits from the Premier League: takeaways from Football Against Fakes 2019 – exclusive guest post

This week's Football Against Fakes 2019 event discussed anti-counterfeiting work in the sports industry. In an exclusive guest post, brand protection consultant Stephen Connolly reveals insights from the event and takeaways for brand owners. Read more

30 Aug 2019

Liverpool mayor trademark opposition, USPTO fee change proposal, and Telltale revival criticised: news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at Beyoncé being accused of fraud linked to a trademark dispute, Bangladesh likely to join the Madrid Protocol, a Chinese IP law firm considering a sale, and much more. Read more

Brand management

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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. Read more

30 Aug 2019

Crimson wave – how Harvard outstrips other universities in terms of registered trademarks

Ivy League schools rely on their reputation to attract top-notch talent, so policing these brands is a critical undertaking. Read more

22 Aug 2019

Stellar speaking faculty revealed for Brand Protection Online Europe

WTR is pleased to unveil the speaking faculty for Brand Protection Online Europe, taking place in London on 14 October 2019. Among the latest names revealed are experts from Daniel Wellington, Dyson, PayPal, Superdry and Tommy Hilfiger. Read more

9 Aug 2019

Five counterfeit hotspots that you must be aware of in Cyprus

In the latest edition of our new series into fake goods around the world, we head to the beautiful Mediterranean island of Cyprus and focus on the counterfeit hotspots that rights holders should have on their enforcement radars. Read more

Enforcement and litigation

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Today

CJEU clarifies jurisdiction in online infringement cases: the consumers' country is the place of infringement

In a victory for trademark owners, the Court of Justice of the European Union has clarified the issue of jurisdiction in cases involving the online infringement of EU trademarks. Read more

16 Sep 2019

MONOPOLY case: a new light on bad faith?

13 Sep 2019

Figurative mark RIMI GOODLIFE found to be similar to word mark GOODLIFE

The Appeals Division of the Lithuanian State Patent Bureau has upheld an opposition filed by Goodlife Foods Limited against the registration of the figurative mark RIMI GOODLIFE by ICA AB. Read more

13 Sep 2019

Defensive trademark registrations: the adidas and Mastercard cases

In two recent cases, defensive EU trademarks belonging to adidas and Mastercard have been cancelled on the grounds of non-use. Read more

Goverment/policy

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9 Sep 2019

No safe bets – what the potential Philip Morris-Altria merger tells us about the tobacco industry

Major players are pulling out all the stops to diversify their portfolios, expanding geographically as well as investing in and buying up other businesses. However, no matter how you look at it, there are significant challenges ahead. Read more

6 Sep 2019

New law creates protection for historical trademarks but fails to define key measures

A new law that introduced enhanced protection for Italian-sounding terms, as well as a new category for historical trademarks of national interest, risks alienating foreign investors and conflicting with the Italian Constitution, as well as EU law, due to a lack of definition. Read more

1 Aug 2019

A design for life: why EU design regulation needs to be reformed

In an exclusive guest post, Claudio Balboni from Bugnion argues that the regulation on designs in the European Union needs to be reformed due to a so-called ‘regulatory conundrum’ that brand owners face. Read more

1 Aug 2019

Practical implications of the new EU Copyright Directive

The new EU Copyright in the Digital Single Market Directive has significant potential for content creators and publishers – but the nuances of the new rules must be properly understood. Read more

Law firms

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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

13 Aug 2019

Diversity in the legal workplace: exclusive interview with the co-chair of Women in IP

Joanna Conway, co-chair of Women in IP, reflects on the diversity challenges that exist in the legal IP world and how the organisation is working to improve the environment. Read more

10 Aug 2019

Poland’s economy continues to exhibit remarkable growth, but can local brands keep up?

The former communist state has developed a strong market economy, and local brands have the opportunity to exploit these conditions to gain both domestic and international traction. Read more

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

IP offices

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28 Aug 2019

Innovation, globalisation, mobile apps and jazz – takeaways from Singapore IP Week

This week the IP Office of Singapore has hosted a series of events to mark the country’s annual IP Week. WTR was there to bring you the key takeaways from Singapore’s biggest IP event. Read more

23 Aug 2019

Connecting continents: exclusive interview with EUIPO head of IP Key Latin America

IP Key Latin America seeks to bridge an IP knowledge gap between the European Union and the host of diverse countries in Latin America. WTR spoke to Pedro Duarte, head of IP Key Latin America, for insight into the project’s successes. Read more

15 Aug 2019

Six counterfeit hotspots you should be aware of in Scotland

People from around the world have flocked to Scotland this month to enjoy Edinburgh’s legendary Fringe festival. Talking to WTR, one expert highlights why fake goods are no laughing matter and identifies counterfeit hotspots in Scotland that brand owners should police. Read more

2 Aug 2019

Brexit warning for trademark lawyers, Yeezy Busta interview, and UK IP minister uncertainty: news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at a win for adidas, the TTAB stubbing out federal marijuana trademarks again, a YouTube star attempting to sell fake goods as genuine, and much more. Read more

Online

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7 Aug 2019

Despite backlash, Ferrari may benefit from its spat with designer Philipp Plein

This week, a dispute between Philipp Plein and Ferrari went public after the German fashion designer posted a cease and desist letter on social media. While online criticism has ensued, this could be to the advantage of the Italian company. Read more

5 Aug 2019

Project Zero extended to Europe as Amazon steps up anti-counterfeiting activities

Amazon has announced the extension of its Project Zero programme to Europe, the latest in a series of moves designed to combat counterfeits on its platforms. Read more

2 Aug 2019

Court of Milan protects Sisley against unauthorised marketing of products by Amazon

The Company and IP Specialised Division of the Court of Milan has recognised the validity of Sisley’s selective distribution network and ordered Amazon, which is not part of Sisley’s network, to end its marketing of Sisley products. Read more

19 Jul 2019

“Juul be sorry”: failure to assign domain name results in contempt of court

The decision of the High Court of England and Wales in Juul Labs Inc v Quickjuul Ltd provides a rare example of a civil court imposing penal sanctions for contempt of court. Read more

Portfolio management

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11 Sep 2019

Blow for Puma as Danish court confirms dismissal of invalidity action

The Danish Maritime and Commercial High Court has upheld a decision of the Patent and Trademark Office dismissing an invalidity action filed by Puma against a registered trademark consisting of a stripe. Read more

10 Sep 2019

CJEU: single clinical trial not sufficient for genuine use

In Viridis Pharmaceutical Ltd v EUIPO, the Court of Justice of the European Union has confirmed that there was no genuine use of Viridis’ trademark BOSWELAN on a pharmaceutical product nor proper reasons for non-use. Read more

30 Aug 2019

Crimson wave – how Harvard outstrips other universities in terms of registered trademarks

Ivy League schools rely on their reputation to attract top-notch talent, so policing these brands is a critical undertaking. Read more

15 Aug 2019

Belgian appeal court tosses SPA Mineral Water’s trademark infringement claims: third parties free to use and register SPA for cosmetic products

A groundbreaking decision of the Ghent Court of Appeal has significantly increased the chances for third parties to successfully register their SPA brand in Class 3 at the Benelux and EU level. Read more

Trademark law

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6 Sep 2019

“Rational and forward-thinking” – CJEU rules cases of online trademark infringement can be held in consumer’s jurisdiction

Reaction to the Court of Justice of the European Union ruling in favour of plaintiffs suing online infringers in the member state they acquired the product. Read more

23 Aug 2019

Twitter

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