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Trademarks

Work Area: Trademarks

This is what IP looks like

The smartphone tells a powerful story. It’s one that can be deployed to spread the good news about the value of IP in an engaging, accessible way

The IP world is kidding itself if it thinks it’s winning

A recent WIPO survey found high levels of engagement with and knowledge of patents, trademarks, copyrights and design rights. However, there are reasons to believe this is more of a comfort blanket than a reflection of reality

Michelin dispute sheds light on when similar trade names constitute unfair competition

French tyre company Michelin has sued three enterprises based on Article 58 of the Trademark Law, which states that using a registered or unregistered trademark in a company’s trade name in a way that misleads the public can be deemed unfair competition.

Latest content

Rubik’s Cube ruling provides clarity for IP portfolio managers

Frankfurt’s regional court has ruled that the famous toy does not qualify for copyright protection, highlighting the strategic value of using a variety of different rights to protect functional objects.

07 December 2022

USPTO top trademark applicants revealed

Kanye West’s IP rights holding company makes appearance as Chinese numbers drop

02 December 2022

A ‘brand’ new approach to intellectual asset mapping at Spotify

An updated framework allows for renewed understanding of the way that a broad array of potential brand assets can drive value for knowledge companies

23 November 2022

Registering 3D Marks in China

Featured in China: Managing the IP Lifecycle 2023

Conventional 2D trademarks that are deemed indistinct can obtain distinctiveness with the addition of unique features. For instance, a mark containing the single letter ‘M’ in plain form is deemed to be indistinctive; however, if the letter is sufficiently stylised, such as in the case of the golden arches symbol of McDonald’s, it can obtain distinctiveness. It has, therefore, been debated whether 3D marks in similar situations can be treated similarly. The laws governing the issue have evolved over time in China.

02 November 2022

Equifax’s nimble approach to IP leadership and value realisation

Elizabeth Lester, assistant general counsel of intellectual property, speaks to IAM about letting the business drive priorities in a small patent and trademark department

26 October 2022

Trademarks and brands: key considerations for M&A transactions

It is crucial that a buyer or seller of a company does not overlook trademarks and brands in business acquisitions, or any red flags in that area. Luckily, there are solutions to overcome such complexities.

26 October 2022

CNIPA latest patent filing clampdown will end in ‘smoke’

Local expert says scrapping government subsidies for applications would soon see the volume subside

21 October 2022

INTA CEO reveals ‘stronger patent focus’ for 2023 annual meeting

Etienne Sanz de Acedo looks to broaden association’s focus by zooming-in on IP strategy and trade secrets

11 October 2022

New high-level lobby group will promote role of IP in US innovation

The Council for Innovation Promotion (C4IP) bipartisan coalition assembles an all-star cast of former policy makers and judges, among others

29 September 2022

The trademark used as evidence to challenge a design patent in China

Featured in IAM Innovation & Invention Yearbook 2023

On 2 June 2022, data from the Chinese Patent Office showed that a Renault SAS design patent (ZL202130363449.5) with the name “Automobile” was declared as invalid in its entirety for conflict with a registered trademark owned by Human Horizon, who filed the invalidation action.

29 September 2022

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