EU

The European Commission is seeking to make it easier to place generic drugs on the market on expiry of SPC protection. Eric Enderlin outlines the implications.

Businesses need to understand and regularly review the scope of their IP agreements, not only to ensure they protect their valuable IP rights from theft or accidental lapse, but also to maximise opportunities to increase the value and income of their IP portfolios.

Fans of Federer at this year’s Wimbledon may be wondering why he’s no longer sporting the distinctive ‘RF’ logo on his tennis whites. That’s because the trademark is actually owned by his former sponsor Nike. 

Novagraaf’s Florence Chapin examines the recent CJEU preliminary ruling on relabelling and exhaustion of trademark rights.

Holder of CK EU trademark (EUTM) in classes 12, 40 and 42 successfully opposes application to register CK1 in class 12 on the grounds of likelihood of confusion.

European trademarks can be at risk of revocation actions on the basis of non-use (after the five-year grace period has expired). Novagraaf’s Ardine Siepman outlines what is considered ‘genuine use’ and the evidence needed to support such use.

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has delivered yet another blow to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) in its attempt to bar non-Scottish distilleries from using the word ‘Glen’ in product names. Novagraaf’s Vanessa Harrow examines the implications for brand owners of protected geographical indications (GIs).

England football player has applied to register four trademarks at the UKIPO, covering clothing, footwear and headgear.

Tomorrow (15 June) is the UK’s national beer day, Beer Day Britain. In preparation for the nationwide communal cheers planned for 7pm, we take a look at some of the trademark issues around craft beer names.

As the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) grants a trademark right to Play-Doh to protect its distinctive smell, Novagraaf’s Trecina Surti looks at the challenges of registering scent marks in the EU.

Social media networks provide an opportunity to reach and interact with customers in new and, often, more effective ways. But these opportunities are not without risks.

The holder of the word and figurative mark 'Tpresso' sought to prevent the registration of the word mark ‘teaespresso’, on the grounds of likelihood of confusion. Both cover similar tea-related products.