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Similarities in packaging between Howler’s stout beer and Nestlé’s MILO® chocolate milk hit the courts in Australia last month, with the case illustrating the need for trademark protection of visual branding elements, says Chantal Koller.
We all know that a recognisable and trusted brand name is a powerful asset with clear benefits in terms of customer recognition, loyalty and goodwill, reputation and market share. The challenge lies in quantifying and communicating that value.
It is crucial to act promptly when submitting objections (or oppositions) to challenge potentially conflicting trademark applications. But, what is the opposition procedure – and how can brand owners make best use of it to protect their trademarks? V
IP strategy is best considered at the start of research and development (R&D). The first step is choosing the IP approach to take during product development. Mark Suddaby explains the options.
The European patent system provides companies with an efficient structure for protecting inventions in Europe. However, there are a number of crucial points to consider if they are to make the best use of the system.
It is good practice to monitor trademark registries for potentially infringing trademark applications. The challenge is in developing the right watching strategy to avoid being swamped with results. Trademark Attorney Vanessa Harrow offers some advice.
A recent report by EUIPO on the risks and damages posed by IP infringement in Europe has identified that nearly one in 10 European consumers believe they have been tricked into buying counterfeit goods online.
Finally, some good news for the Unitary Patent. Germany's Federal Constitutional Court has rejected the two applications for a preliminary injunction against the German Act of Approval to the Unified Patent Court Agreement. The decisions mark a key step forward for the Unitary Patent, says Robert Balsters.
Brand value is a key driver of merger and acquisition (M&A) activity, reflecting the growing importance of intangible assets. However, getting IP portfolios M&A ready requires in-depth, proactive work that many fail to carry out, potentially causing serious issues further down the line.
As a business grows, so too do the demands on its IP department. In an excerpt from our white paper, we set out the pros and cons of the fully in-house, fully outsourced and hybrid IP management models.
As the requirement to submit proof of use at the USPTO is different to practices in Europe, it can cause problems for brand owners looking to protect their trademarks in the important US market. Marianne Tissot and Marion Mercadier explain when evidence of use is required, and set out best practices for obtaining protection for trademarks in the US.
In the second of our articles focusing on brand protection on online marketplaces, Markus Rouvinen explains how the forthcoming Digital Services Act offers both opportunities and risks for brand owners seeking to protect their IP online.