As the novel coronavirus epidemic continues to spread across the globe, WTR provides an updated look at measures that national IP offices have launched in response.
In an exclusive interview, a small business owner in Manilla, Philippines, who is embroiled in a trademark dispute with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, has described it as a “duel to the death”.
The UK trademark filing landscape is changing, with new agents coming onto the scene and early analysis indicating limited impact of the new local address for service requirement.
The UK High Court has dismissed an appeal of the UKIPO’s decision to prevent the registration of the figurative mark GEEKSTORE due to an earlier unregisteredright in the word mark GEEKCORE, as its role on appeal is purely to examine whether the UKIPO hearing officer has erred in their assessment of the law. Read more
Entura will join Corsearch’s operations and expand the company’s offerings for fighting copyright infringement through online takedown capability. Read more
This decision of the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court in a dispute involving ballerina shoes highlights that experts are not, and cannot speak from the perspective of, informed users. Read more
In a guest piece, Julius Stobbs, founder of Stobbs, details the current requirements for potential trademark registrants in these unique jurisdictions. Read more
Matching business intelligence with a case management system infrastructure, the dual launch aims to provide innovation that the service provider landscape is currently lacking. 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
In our latest round-up, we look at the boss of Kenya’s Anti-Counterfeit Authority departing following a fake number plate scandal, IP Australia launching a new quality approach, and much more. Read more
In our latest round-up, we look at industry groups teaming up to fight pirates, a call for fake pharmaceutical stories, IP Australia announcing a new indigenous knowledge initiative, and much more. Read more
In our latest round-up, we look at Philip Morris International and the US Department of Homeland Security collaborating, Playboy in talks to acquire Lovers, the battle for Birkenstock heating up, and much more. Read more
In an exclusive guest post, experts at Hogan Lovells explore the current status of geographical indications in the United Kingdom – and what the future could hold for their protection. Read more
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
The UK’s Intellectual Property Enterprise Court has handed a decisive victory to Italian fashion company Freddy SpA in a case that considers the role that passing off, patents and unregistered designs can play in combatting copycats in the fashion industry. Read more
The United Kingdom has introduced a new procedure for notifying UK IP rights to the customs authority. As with many Brexit changes, the immediate effect is administrative, but with little substantive change. Read more
easyGroup’s attempt to strengthen its rights in the EASY family of marks has been thwarted by the UKIPO, which refused to register the mark EASY for various services in Classes 35, 39 and 43. Read more
The Court of Appeal of England and Wales has confirmed that luxury car manufacturer Bentley Motors previously infringed three trademarks owned by family-run fashion company Bentley Clothing. Read more
In an exclusive interview with WTR, the new EUIPO deputy director for international cooperation, Sandris Laganovskis, reveals the opportunities and challenges that he foresees in the role. Read more
The transitional period may be over, but the Brexit saga is not. There are now numerous factors for trademark owners to bear in mind, with a host of new rules to become accustomed to. Read more
As the Brexit transitional period comes to an end and the United Kingdom finds itself no longer governed by EU law, local practitioners should be aware of the impact on various aspects of trademark practice. Read more
A major new investigation from WTR has identified over 6,800 trademarks and 6,900 domain names that appear to be related to multi-millionaire and serial trademark filer Michael Gleissner. Read more
WTR presents exclusive insights on how the events of 2020 shaped the trademark practice of Chris McLeod from Elkington and Fife and Ronit Barzik-Soffer from Reinhold Cohn Group. Read more
The UKIPO has confirmed that IP owners will be required to supply a UK address for legal services related to new UK trademark applications, hearings and contentious proceedings from 1 January 2021. Read more
In our latest round-up, we look at a warning to act on counterfeit goods before it’s too late, Lord & Taylor filing for bankruptcy, IP Australia updating its trademark classifications, and much more. 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
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 long-awaited cloning of EU trademarks is right around the corner. But how will the make-up of the register change after the addition of 1.5 million records? According to data analysis, new top brand owners and legal representatives are just the start. Read more
In our latest round-up, we look at the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property looking to regulate its IP industry, Instagram’s new Reels brand facing a trademark lawsuit, and much more. Read more
The UK Intellectual Property Office has launched a public consultation with regard to a proposed change to its address for service rules, to be implemented once the Brexit transition period ends. Read more
While this decision of the High Court concerned an application to amend pleadings, the issues raised suggest that the case is likely to consider several points of interest concerning the application of trademark law to the digital economy, and in particular e-gaming. Read more
The UK fitness company has solidified its market presence among the greats with a winning social media strategy, deep commitment to consumers and a forward-thinking approach to trademark protection. Read more
In our latest round-up, we look at Kazakhstan turning to technology to combat counterfeits, Rangers football club refreshing its brand, a Lady A lawsuit, and much more. Read more
Entertainment One’s senior director of brand protection, Niall Trainor, reflects on a year dominated by a major acquisition and reveals the key factors that led to his side winning WTR’s Sports, Entertainment and Media Team of the Year Award. Read more
This ‘bait and switch’ case highlights the need for parties to agree terms and put them in writing at the outset of a relationship, and also addresses the complexities of keyword advertising. Read more
This decision of the appointed person, on appeal from a decision of the UKIPO, highlights that trademark owners should ensure that they have made a real effort to create or maintain a share in the relevant market. Read more
This decision highlights that a finding of a likelihood of indirect confusion may still arise between marks which are highly similar and contain the same word element, but cover arguably different goods and/or services. Read more
Bentley Motors has lost its appeal against a ruling in a long-running dispute with Bentley Clothing. However, the clothing company's director has slammed the current legal system. Read more
The food industry is fast becoming the focus of brand restrictions, with new calls for action against unhealthy foods in the United Kingdom and concern over Mexico’s new labelling regime culminating in a missive from INTA last week. Read more
The lack of a single, codified body of law to explicitly protect image or publicity rights on either side of the Atlantic means that high-profile individuals must draw from a variety of causes of action and legal tools to protect their interests. Read more
With the ramifications for partial bad-faith filings still on the table, SkyKick representatives say they are “hopeful” they will be victorious in the end. Read more