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France

FC Barcelona and Man Utd are brand champions – the football clubs and players with the largest trademark portfolios revealed

Exclusive research from WTR can reveal that Manchester United has the largest football brand portfolio in the world, with Lionel Messi boasting the most significant number of registrations for a single player.

FC Barcelona and Man Utd are brand champions – the football clubs and players with the largest trademark portfolios revealed
Activision strikes back with Warzone lawsuit; France.com fight continues; Leason Ellis brand refresh – news digest
13 Apr 2021

Activision strikes back with Warzone lawsuit; France.com fight continues; Leason Ellis brand refresh – news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at the IP Office of New Zealand launching a new hearings initiative, Canopy Growth acquiring a leading marijuana brand, and much more.

Luxury doyen Hermès is thriving, thanks to unwavering dedication to its traditional brand values
9 Apr 2021

Luxury doyen Hermès is thriving, thanks to unwavering dedication to its traditional brand values

The French boutique is taking market changes in its stride and its popularity is growing as a result.

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29 Jul 2021

France

French trademarks are governed mainly by Law 1991-7, which implements the EU First Trademarks Directive (89/104/EEC) and is codified in the IP Code. Read more

27 Jul 2021

French Supreme Court issues decision in Morbier case following CJEU’s preliminary ruling

Late last year, the CJEU issued a preliminary ruling on some questions concerning the reproduction of the shape or appearance of a product (here, Morbier cheese) protected by a PDO. The French Supreme Court has now issued its decision based on the CJEU’s answers. Read more

11 May 2021

Procedures and strategies for anti-counterfeiting: France

As a member of the European Union and WIPO, France complies with all EU regulations and directives, as well as all the major international treaties concerning IP rights. As such, EU trademarks and designs are protected in all French territory. Read more

30 Mar 2021

France victorious in ‘france.com’ dispute; USPTO issues credential warning; EUIPO gets Green Apple award – news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at the UKIPO welcoming its position on the US Chamber 2021 Global IP Index, a CBD trademark spat resolving, the Chilean IP Office updating its trademark renewal system, and much more. Read more

Anti-Counterfeiting

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7 Sep 2020

Innovation at the French IP office: spotlight on trademark tools and services

In the latest of our new innovation series, the CEO of France's National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) shares the tools and services they have launched or are developing for the future. Read more

7 Aug 2020

Enforcement data reveals destination shift for counterfeits originating in China

The true scope of the illicit trade of fake goods is hard to define, but analysis by Rouse indicates that Southeast Asia is a fast-rising hotspot. Read more

30 Jun 2020

Bordeaux wine win in China; USPTO seeks TPAC nominations; Iskcon declared well known – news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at the Qatar versus Saudi Arabia piracy battle escalating, former employees of Hermès appearing in court for counterfeiting, a legal blow for Stan Lee’s daughter, and much more. Read more

23 Apr 2020

Procedures and strategies for anti-counterfeiting: France

Criminal proceedings are not the most favoured option for IP rights holders, but criminal penalties are usually considered to be more dissuasive for infringers. Read more

Brand management

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14 Jan 2021

Renault disappears and Aston Martin returns: brand lessons from two teams in the 2021 F1 season

As Renault F1 and Racing Point rebrand to Alpine F1 and Aston Martin respectively, WTR asks brand experts whether these are savvy moves or will cause consumer confusion. Read more

23 Oct 2020

L’Oréal announces new CEO, but don’t expect too many changes in brand strategy

Stability, brand investment and adaptable marketing have been key to the cosmetic titan’s success. It may have stumbled during the pandemic but its forward-thinking approach to marketing and deep understanding of its namesake brands means recovery is inevitable Read more

29 Sep 2020

Brands less important to consumers demanding social improvements, report reveals

Brandwatch has released the results of a survey of consumer perception on brand purpose in the light of the coronavirus pandemic. Read more

30 Jul 2020

Manchester United crowned champions of trademarks Premier League; Messi tops player ranking

New research conducted by WTR can once again reveal that Manchester United has the biggest trademark portfolio of any global football club by a wide margin. Read more

Enforcement and Litigation

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17 Mar 2020

Trademark procedures and strategies: France

French trademark law confers no exclusive right to the owner of an unregistered mark. Read more

21 Feb 2020

Football: a game where every brand wins

Football teams and corporates are cashing in on brand value, but a changing industry means clubs need to use new methods to continue strengthening their presence and engagement levels. Read more

12 Dec 2019

Litigation procedures and strategies: France

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29 Jul 2019

The top filers and a vision for the future: inside EUIPO operations

Less than a year into Christian Archambeau’s tenure as executive director, the EUIPO is laying the groundwork for future expansion. World Trademark Review’s annual focus on the office assesses current operations, reveals the most proactive filers and explores how the agency is taking a global view of trademarks. Read more

Government/Policy

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8 Jan 2021

How the French IP office educates the public on IP systems

Pascal Faure, CEO of INPI, explains how the office engaged the public in IP matters in 2020 through online courses and annual awards. Read more

6 Jan 2020

Current EU non-agricultural protections not equipped for many products, argues new academic paper

The existing AO system of protection is too restrictive to effectively act as a sui generis GI regime for many non-agricultural products, contends new research - which calls for the scaling up of a EU-wide Protected Geographical Indications scheme. Read more

27 Nov 2019

Trademark changes in France: how tiny details could have huge consequences for brands

Earlier this month, the EU Trademark Directive was implemented in France. In an exclusive guest post, Herald Avocats partner Richard Milchior explains why international brands should be aware of the potential impact of these changes. Read more

28 Feb 2019

An IP awareness revolution

In an exclusive article, the director general of the French National Institute of Industrial Property explains how the office has been creating cutting-edge industrial property awareness programmes across France – and why this is such a priority. Read more

Law Firms

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28 Aug 2020

Economies are battered but many major offices set for record trademark numbers

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

12 Mar 2020

The most prolific trademark attorney firms in Europe revealed

Data analysis reveals that, amongst representatives, Isabelle Bertaux ranks as the number one trademark filer in the EU, with Novagraaf and Arpe completing the top 3. Read more

23 Apr 2019

Turkey trademark uplift, INPI announces Africa IP adviser, and China counterfeit crackdown: news digest

In our latest edition, we look at INTA and the National Trade Foundation for Education partnering up to spread the anti-counterfeiting message, a study highlights how brands need to showcase their authenticity, and much more. Read more

12 Sep 2018

Trademark procedures and strategies: France

Any natural person or legal entity can apply for a French trademark before the French Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle (INPI). The application can be filed by the owner itself or its representative. Read more

IP Offices

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12 Feb 2021

France records its fourth year of trademark growth, hitting the 100,000 applications mark

Domestic brands are IP savvy and are particularly active users of WIPO’s Madrid system. Read more

4 Jan 2021

The secret lives of trademark examiners: insights into five IP offices

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

28 Dec 2020

How to avoid a descriptive filing: examiners offer vital application guidance

Experts at three of the world’s busiest IP offices reveal what it takes for an application to pass key requirements on descriptiveness. Read more

21 May 2020

Trademark filing levels recover but long-term picture remains in doubt

After an initial slump in global trademark filing levels in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, data reveals that numbers have started to return to normal at several major offices. Read more

Online

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10 Jul 2019

Highest court ends judicial dispute involving Saône-et-Loire department

The Cour de Cassation – the highest French court – has confirmed the Versailles Court of Appeal decision ordering the transfer of three domain names infringing the trademark of the French department of Saône-et-Loire. Read more

18 Apr 2019

Notre Dame misinformation highlights brand protection challenge for media organisations

There have been numerous reports of fake media accounts spreading conspiracy theories around the Notre Dame Cathedral fire. Such activity around major events is a reminder of the significant challenge that IP practitioners face. 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

2 Oct 2018

“The INPI facilitates the life of companies” – exclusive interview with new director general of French IP office

Pascal Faure, the new director general of INPI, reveals his immediate priorities in the role, including the introduction of new measures that will “strengthen the examination of trademarks” in France. Read more

Portfolio Management

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14 Jan 2020

Infringement and filings increase but budget no longer the primary concern, says new study

As trademark filing numbers increase globally, a new report by CompuMark provides data on a rise in infringement incidents that trademark professionals are experiencing. While these infringements are costly, budget does not currently top the list of concerns for in-house teams. Read more

26 Apr 2019

Trademark Premier League: Manchester United crowned 2019 champions, as Messi pulls ahead of Neymar

With today’s World Intellectual Property Day celebrating the importance of IP in sports, research conducted by WTR finds that Manchester United has the most significant trademark portfolio of any global football club. Read more

4 Apr 2019

Blow for Hyundai as Court of Appeal upholds opposition against KONA mark for automobiles

In a blow to the South Korean multinational automobile manufacturer, the French Court of Appeal has confirmed that there was a likelihood of confusion between Hyundai’s mark KONA for “automobiles” and the earlier mark KONA for “bicycles”. Read more

7 Jan 2019

Protecting and enforcing design rights: France

Design protection in France may be claimed through a French design application, an international application designating France or the European Union or a direct Community design application filed with the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). Read more

Trademark law

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25 Jan 2019

Litigation procedures and strategies: France

In France, arbitration is available for most trademark litigation. However, arbitration for the validity of a trademark remains uncertain as it may be considered a public policy matter, and there is no case law on this point. Read more

21 Sep 2018

UDRP misuse warning, non-traditional tips, and the danger from subtle copies: insights from MARQUES 2018

This week’s MARQUES Annual Conference in Paris draws to a close today. We present some of the key insights from the event, including insight into the standoff around WHOIS data access, the one Brexit-related question you need to be asking, and more. Read more

7 Sep 2018

The fall of the own-name defence

The ability to raise the own-name defence in Europe is about to come to an end. This article examines the consequences of recent own-name legislative changes for businesses in Europe. Read more

17 Aug 2018

A-Z guide of EU trademark court practice and performance: Finland to Hungary

In the second of our five-part series, trademark counsel from law firms across Europe provide an overview of the performance of their countries’ EU trademark courts over the last two years. Read more

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Innovation at the French IP office: spotlight on trademark tools and services