Visit

United Kingdom

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.

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.

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.

Latest

View all

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

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

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

Refine content by:

Anti-counterfeiting

View all

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

2 Dec 2019

Research reveals impact of counterfeits on UK economy amid call for increased collaboration

An OECD study has revealed the growing problem of counterfeiting in the UK. One OECD economist told WTR that, in light of the findings, it is important for rights holders and customs to work more closely together. Read more

29 Nov 2019

DPMA warns of scam invoices, Poundland versus Greggs, and WIPO DG candidate list widens: news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at the Philippines IP Office reviving its arbitration service, the advocate general finding that Amazon didn’t infringe on Coty’s trademark rights, the first GIs being processed in Ivory Coast, and much more. Read more

22 Nov 2019

INTA award winners, Brexit Party cease-and-desist, and Chile IPO deadline extensions: news digest

In our latest edition, we look at the EUIPO approving the Strategic Plan 2025, Nominet releasing its Criminality Report, WIPO kicking off a new case law publication series, and much more. Read more

Brand management

View all

29 Nov 2019

Surviving a scandal: brand management and the Royal Family

The Monarchy proves that a clear strategy can build an everlasting brand, but it is always at risk of suffering reputational damage. Read more

22 Nov 2019

Insurance brands are failing to connect with consumers – and this is a problem

The industry is slowly changing, and those that are adaptable and invest in strengthening their product and brand could see a massive pay-out. Read more

6 Nov 2019

Risqué business: lessons from the Unilever and Kraft Heinz Pornhub advertising backlash

Kraft Heinz and Unilever have distanced themselves from a pornography website on which they advertised, following accusations that it hosted underage and illegal content. Legal experts emphasise the importance of being involved in conversations over brand messaging and positioning. Read more

4 Nov 2019

“They hoped to grind us down” – Bentley Clothing voices relief at trademark win against motoring giant

UK family-run fashion business Bentley Clothing has prevailed against Bentley Motors in a long-running trademark dispute. Talking to WTR, the owner of Bentley Clothing speaks of the stress that the case has caused. Read more

Enforcement and litigation

View all

21 Jan 2020

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

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

14 Jan 2020

Munchkin wins IPEC baby bath design dispute against Shnuggle

The Intellectual Property Enterprise Court of England and Wales has found that Munchkin did not infringe Shnuggle’s registered Community designs and unregistered UK design rights by selling its Sit & Soak baby bath. 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

Goverment/policy

View all

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

13 Dec 2019

Boris, Brexit and brands – what the UK election result means for trademark owners

The Conservative Party has landed a significant victory in the UK general election, with a majority that essentially confirms that Brexit will occur at the end of January 2020. The result could have significant implications for IP owners. Read more

21 Nov 2019

UK election: parties silent on brand protection issues as campaigns focus on Brexit

Major UK political parties are sharing their policy platforms in the hopes of attracting the British electorate’s vote. However, when asked by WTR about their stance on various brand protection issues, most parties are silent. Read more

20 Nov 2019

Chelsea still owns José Mourinho trademarks; will Tottenham have to pay to commercialise his name?

Tottenham Hotspur has appointed José Mourinho as its new manager, and questions have arisen about trademarks owned by rival club Chelsea. Talking to WTR, one IP expert points to “potential” for issues between the two clubs. Read more

Law firms

View all

19 Nov 2019

“There’s a lot of suffering out there” – leading academic warns of the legal profession’s mental health problem

Richard Collier, a professor of law and social theory at Newcastle University, tells WTR why he is concerned for the mental health of a generation of lawyers, and what the industry can do to effectively improve employee wellbeing. Read more

16 Oct 2019

Tackling bullying and sexual harassment in the legal workplace: exclusive interview with Kieran Pender

The International Bar Association released a groundbreaking study on bullying and sexual harassment in the legal profession earlier this year. WTR caught up with the project's leader, Kieran Pender, in the midst of a global awareness campaign centred on this problem rife within the industry. Read more

27 Sep 2019

Despite concerns over the level of risk, litigation threat planning often omitted from IP strategies

New research has revealed that, while almost two-thirds of legal services buyers are concerned about being a defendant in IP litigation, a quarter of companies that have a specific IP strategy in place state that it does not deal with litigation threats. Read more

24 Sep 2019

Managing Trademark Assets returns to London with more interactivity and deep dive discussions

WTR is pleased to announce that, following the success of this year’s event, Managing Trademark Assets Europe will be returning to London on 28 January 2020. Read more

IP offices

View all

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

28 Nov 2019

EU accession to Geneva Act and leaked trade papers put Britain’s post-Brexit GI position back under the spotlight

Upon leaving the EU, the UK will no longer be part of the Lisbon Agreement. Documents leaked yesterday point to a potential departure from the EU's strategy on GIs in order to appease a US trade deal. Read more

29 Oct 2019

UKIPO postpones Brexit work, Canada plain packaging and KIPO warns of trademark squatters: news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at INTA bringing the Unreal Campaign to Lima, the UAE IP office forgoing certain fees, Stan Lee’s daughter suing POW! Entertainment, and much more. Read more

17 Oct 2019

UK government steps up efforts to encourage IP-backed lending, but challenges must be overcome

Inngot has announced it is staffing up following two research project commissions from UK government organisations related to the stimulation of IP-backed lending. We look at the challenges ahead. Read more

Online

View all

15 Oct 2019

Alibaba commended, PIPCU needs you, RPMs review update: takeaways from Brand Protection Online Europe

WTR held its inaugural Brand Protection Online Europe in London yesterday, which featured speakers from brands including Alibaba, PayPal, Superdry and Tommy Hilfiger. We share a variety of takeaways from the day. Read more

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

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

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

Portfolio management

View all

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 Nov 2019

Unregistered designs - how to disclose and save novelty

The Intellectual Property Enterprise Court in London has referred to the Court of Justice of the European Union two questions on unregistered Community design rights which have been discussed in legal literature for years. Read more

21 Nov 2019

LIVINGDREAMS mark put to bed on appeal

The appointed person has upheld a decision of the UKIPO finding that there was a likelihood of confusion between the figurative mark LIVINGDREAMS in Class 20 and earlier marks consisting of, or containing, the word ‘dreams’ in Classes 20, 24 and 35. Read more

14 Nov 2019

Protecting and enforcing design rights: United Kingdom

Trademark law

View all

2 Jan 2020

#FairUse? Third-party trademarks in social media hashtags

10 Dec 2019

Frozen 2 versus Christian Louboutin: could Anna’s red-soled shoes lead to a trademark dispute?

In Disney's Frozen 2, main character Anna is seen wearing red-bottomed boots, with some claiming a similarity to the iconic footwear of fashion brand Christian Louboutin. We speak with IP experts on the issues potentially at play. Read more

9 Dec 2019

Litigation procedures and strategies: United Kingdom

22 Nov 2019

Michael Gleissner versus Apple and Samsung: millionaire defeated in Benelux and UK

Two recent trademark cases in Benelux and the UK have landed significant blows to notorious millionaire Michael Gleissner’s unprecedented trademark activity. According to one expert, they clearly demonstrate that IP offices are “not a playground for vexatious parties”. Read more

Twitter

28 Jan 2020

@WTRmagazine US Postal Service, Amazon and Google named most trusted brands for reliability – but consumer priorities are changi… https://t.co/exvwHjx2I2 Read more

28 Jan 2020

@WTRmagazine Not blocked – Meghan, Harry and a tale of trademark misreporting. https://t.co/kwVKJRoWUS https://t.co/GN6YeQMpv5 Read more

28 Jan 2020

@WTRmagazine Brand Tracker: the filing trends of the world’s most valuable brands. https://t.co/TwLfMpzg8X https://t.co/r0OFYQ8gSQ Read more

28 Jan 2020

@WTRmagazine Do better or face the consequences: Homeland Security sends counterfeits warning to e-commerce platforms.… https://t.co/tSsr5EHItr Read more