Surnames in Trademarks
People often wish to include words that are surnames into trademarks but what is allowed and what is not? In a recent decision there was highlighted that the definitive rule cannot apply by ...
Brand Owners and Brexit
In June 2016, the people of the United Kingdom decided by referendum that it was time to leave the European Union (EU). Clearly, this is profound decision that will have an impact of many ...
Avoiding Brand Dilution – Three Strategic Tips
It is now well established that the value of a business lies not so much in its ‘bricks and mortar’ assets, but rather in its intangible assets. These include intellectual property rights (both ...
Did Apple really lose the iPhone trademark battle with a Chinese handbag maker?
iPhone v IPHONE Reports have filtered through from China that Apple have lost control of the trademark ‘iPhone’, because a Chinese company has successfully: obtained a Chinese trademark ...
Formality Objections in IP applications
When you file an application for national or international protection of your intellectual property (IP) through a patent, design registration or trade mark registration, your application will go ...
Is the IP system there to be used to make a social or political point?
The Intellectual Property (IP) system includes patents and trademarks, copyright, design registration and other associated legal tools. But is the use of the IP system there to make a social or ...
Trademarks vs. Copyright
Trademarks are signs or symbols, usually in the form of words, logos, or combinations of words and logos. Trademarks are used in the course of trade or commerce by a trader, to identify the ...
Trademarks in the U.S.A.
USA is one of the 2 top economic markets in the world. Therefore it is important that your primary marketing tool of your trademark is protected in the short term and the long term. US ...
Intellectual Property Issues Raised in Competition Policy Review
In 2013, the Australian Government commissioned an expert panel review of competition policy in Australia. The final report of the panel (known as the Harper Review) was issued in March 2015. The ...
