Former US president Donald Trump is reportedly considering a launch of a new political venture called the ‘Patriot Party’. However, trademark registrations at the USPTO could prove to be a stumbling block for Trump’s purported plans.
The IACC expects the Biden administration to take an ‘evolution’ not ‘revolution’ approach towards IP policy and urges it to build on efforts to fight fakes.
Today officially marks the end of the presidency of Donald J Trump. After an unprecedented four years, WTR looks back at the brand-related positives and negatives of his time in office.
Andrei Iancu, director of the USPTO, has said farewell to the office, confirming that his tenure is coming to an end alongside the Trump administration. Read more
In a case involving a Dr Seuss and Star Trek mash-up, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit considered claims of both copyright and trademark infringement. Read more
GEN Law Firm partner Steve Zhao and associate Pei Lyu reveal the intricacies of the arguments that made them successful in the Shanghai court. Read more
In our latest round-up, we look at the NCAA pausing a vote on athlete name, image and likeness rules, the US IP Alliance launching with the aim of raising IP awareness, Authentic Vision and ATQ Germany teaming up, and much more. Read more
In our latest round-up, we look at Unilever offloading the Bertolli business, thousands of counterfeit designer masks seized in Kentucky, South Korea adopting a Vegan certification mark, and much more. Read more
Talking to WTR, the owner of the Proud Boys registered trademark (and former member of the group) reveals how the rights have been used to protect the organisation and stop unauthorised merchandise. Read more
In our latest round-up, we look at E & J Gallo Winery acquiring over 30 brands from Constellation, Taste Beauty being picked up by Centric Brands, IPEC's new annual IP report, and much more. Read more
In November last year, Deborah Hampton made history when she was elected to be the first African-American officer at INTA. She sits down with WTR to discuss her journey and the state of diversity in the industry. Read more
A new committee has been formed to come up with new procedures to tackle spurious trademark applications at the USPTO following the implementation of the Trademark Modernisation Act of 2020. Read more
With a booming market for hard seltzers and ready-to-drink cocktails, disputes over brand names have inevitably followed. Here, Future Proof Brands requested a preliminary injunction against Molson Coors’ entry into that market. Read more
This time last year, we reported that trademark litigation filings in federal district courts had hit a four-year high, outpacing patent cases for the second straight year. However, 2020 was very different. Read more
Submissions to the USPTO on the possible application of contributory and/or vicarious trademark infringement liability to e-commerce platforms have revealed a clear division between the positions of e-commerce companies and rights holders. Read more
USPTO publishes scathing report into the influx of trademark applications from China, claiming that many “lack value and clutter the trademark register”. Read more
A number of brand associations have highlighted the need for social media companies and online platforms to step up anti-counterfeiting messaging in efforts to educate US consumers. Read more
While efforts to develop a global access system for WHOIS data continue, recent developments in the United States and the European Union suggest that governments are willing to require more of registries and registrars. Read more
A worrying number of trademark attorneys remain unaware of the USPTO’s Office of Enrolment and Discipline, let alone that they are subject to its rules – and could face disciplinary action for violating them. But whether the trademark bar knows it or not, the office is always present. Read more
WTR presents exclusive insights on how the events of 2020 shaped the trademark practice of Christina L Martini, partner at McDermott Will & Emery. Read more
In our latest round-up, we look at the IPR Center recognising Alibaba’s IP efforts, a battle for the Arcadia and Debenhams brands, brand enforcement lessons from a fake Dr Fauci, and much more. Read more
WTR is seeking nominations to recognise the innovators in the trademark industry as part of a new project – and it will only take a couple of minutes to do so. Read more
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
The United States has experienced another record-breaking year in terms of trademark filings, in part due to a flurry of applications from Chinese-based businesses. But this is both good and bad news for rights holders. Read more
The past year has been, in the words of trademarks commissioner David Gooder, a “bumpy ride” as the USPTO managed its way through the pandemic. Here, he explains how the office has adapted to change and provides an update on key areas of focus and achievements over the past 12 months. Read more
With no US federal right of publicity and the distinction between celebrities and non-celebrities becoming increasingly arbitrary, companies looking to advertise their products through the likenesses of individuals must be up to date with the latest case law in order to get a clear picture of the risks involved. Read more
In our latest round-up, we look at Authentic Brands Group acquiring a stake in an event producer, authorities seizing a shipment of counterfeit 3M surgical masks, brands being urged to ‘inspire’, and much more. Read more
INTA has announced an ambitious partnership with the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles to promote the importance and value of trademarks and the dangers of counterfeit goods. Read more
In our latest round-up, we look at Fiji’s new trademark law, new TPAC members, Daily Harvest adding more IP infringement accusations to its Revive lawsuit, and much more. Read more
WTR gets the inside track on how Verizon’s trademark department, named Internet and Telecommunications Team of the Year at the 2020 WTR Industry Awards, approaches brand management in the face of opportunists and a rapidly evolving field. Read more
David Modzeleski, senior vice president, intellectual property and litigation and chief global IP and trademark counsel at Discovery, discusses how WTR’s North America Team of the Year prioritises a seat at the table to justify an aggressive trademark strategy. Read more
Although there is a lack of guidance as to how much weight to accord each of the eight Polaroid factors, this decision of the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit demonstrates that two of the factors can be especially persuasive. Read more
A former USPTO examiner suggests that the examining criteria for specimens has now become too stringent and is potentially harming smaller businesses. Read more
In our latest round-up, we look at Saturday Night Live riffing on the retirement of brand mascots, the American Retirement Association prevailing in an acronym dispute, and much more. Read more
US election changes to cannabis and hard drug laws alter the legal landscape, but questions remain as to how they open up the trademark market. Read more
While trademark policy is not a subject that will necessarily sway voting decisions in the US election, the past four years under President Trump have been notable for the way that brands have been catapulted onto the front pages and into the public consciousness. Read more
@WTRmagazine RT @INTA: What can U.S. #trademark owners hope for in the Biden administration? @WTRMagazine compiled comments from a variety of industry… Read more