Trademarks & Domain Names

When deciding on your IP enforcement and protection strategy, both the 'sword' and 'shield' functions of trademarks must be kept in mind.

A new edition of the Nice Classification system for international trademark registration will become available on 1 January 2023. We outline the changes and their implications for trademark applicants.

The short answer is ‘yes’, you can own a fictional character, says UK Trademark Attorney Luke Portnow, and this summer the UK saw a particularly interesting case law development in copyright protection. 

Stop the Press! 'HOUSE OF ZANA' has been found to be different from 'ZARA'.  To many, this will not have come as a surprise.  When trademark applications are opposed, applicants (and/or their representatives) are familiar with the argument “the marks only differ by one letter”.  Increasingly, that argument does not bear much weight at the UK IPO Tribunal Section.

Should the trademark owner be held liable for a product defect, even if they did not manufacture the goods? That was the question at the heart of a recent dispute before the Court of Justice of the EU. Noa Rubingh examines the ruling and its implications for trademark owners. 

From patents protecting core innovation to trademark and design rights, IP registrations have been a vital cog in the success of the watch industry, not least when it comes to stamping down on counterfeits and other forms of trademark infringement.

In our best practice guide, we set out tools and advice for brand owners looking to establish an effective and proportionate online brand protection strategy, or those looking to update their approach.

Caterpillar, Inc has successfully challenged the August 2020 European trademark application for ‘FLOWERCAT’ on the basis that the mark infringes its earlier rights to both the word and figurative (device) marks for ‘CAT’. Noa Rubingh reviews the recent ruling.

The EU General Court has issued its decision in the decade-long dispute over the 'Spinning' trademark, as used for exercise-related goods and services. Aurélie Guetin cycles back to take a look at the proceedings.

As the high-profile ruling in BavariaWeed illustrated earlier this year, many (illegal) drug references, images and terms are not eligible for trademark registration in the EU on the grounds of public order or morality. What can be registered depends largely on the type of drug to which the trademark refers.

In the rush to launch a new business, product or service, businesses often fail to consider trademark protection for key elements of their branding. We share eight reasons for starting the trademark process early in the brand creation process.

On 15 September 2022, our experts discussed best practices for protecting 'non-traditional' trademarks in an increasingly innovative world. Register for our webinar recording to find out more.