Insights

Dog-sitting service Hairbnb may be forced to change its name after receiving a cease and desist letter from online rental marketplace Airbnb. An effective trademark watching strategy could have saved both businesses a headache.

Last week, adidas suffered a third loss in its attempt to safeguard its three stripes trademark when the EU General Court dismissed the sportswear manufacturer’s appeal and confirmed EUIPO’s earlier decision of trademark invalidity.

One of the most popular panel discussions at this year’s INTA conference examined possible methods of IP protection for fictional characters. Panelist Chantal Koller sets out the European perspective.

The criteria for a mark to be ‘well known’ is higher than the assessment criteria for trademarks with reputation, and decisions can vary considerably between EU member states, as Casper Hemelrijk explains.

A recent decision by EUIPO's Board of Appeal, in a dispute over educational toys for children, illustrates the limited degree of freedom for designers under design law.

The wine and spirits sector has had a busy first half of 2019 in trademark terms. Florence Chapin picks some highlights from around the globe.

Back in October 2018, the General Court of the EU decided that energy drink Red Bull and alcoholic drink Flügel were not similar products. By calling on its reputation, however, Red Bull has found a way to fight back, as Casper Hemelrijk explains.

The Vita Group has recently been successful in its ongoing dispute over the registration of the descriptive term ‘Talalay’. Vanessa Harrow sets out the ruling and the steps businesses can take when faced with a similar issue.

The Chinese government is seeking to create a more favourable climate for investment and innovation by tightening its trademark legislation.