Features
As brand extension through licensing becomes increasingly popular, the phenomenon of over-licensing has emerged as a potential threat to brand health and longevity
To welcome in the Year of the Rooster, we take a look back at the biggest Chinese trademark case of the last 12 months – and ask whether it could turn out to be one of the most important rulings for brand owners in the country’s history
As IP offices across the world adapt and improve the services they offer, World Trademark Review identifies those leading the way with non-core tools and services – and those falling behind
Trademark dilution on social media has been on the rise for several years. Now the International Social Media Association hopes to find a way to remove legal uncertainty and ease the pressure on rights holders
The Indian Trademark Registry has stepped up its digital efforts in the last year, while changes to the legislative regime demonstrate growing recognition for international brand owners
The chief executive of the IP Office of Singapore – which is renowned for its ground-breaking approach to trademark services – offers his vision of how its counterparts around the world can transform themselves into innovation agencies
On December 7 2016 high-level brand protection professionals, investigators, industry specialists and enforcement officials gathered in Shanghai for World Trademark Review’s Brand Protection Greater China summit
Extensive rule changes have now come into effect at the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board which promise greater efficiency and clarity in proceedings. However, brand owners and IP counsel need to be well versed in the changes to get the most out of them
There has been persistent criticism of the rights protection mechanisms offered by online marketplaces, with brand owners calling for better anti-counterfeiting tools. Leading e-commerce platforms offer advice on how best to utilise the current arsenal
Messaging apps have overtaken social networks in total user numbers and many are now embedding payment methods on their platforms, creating yet another challenge for brand owners
The US Patent and Trademark Office is tightening controls on the post-registration requirement of use in an effort to clean up the US Trademark Register – meaning that rights holders now face random audits of their registered marks
Across the Caribbean, the trademark landscape is transforming. Recent legislative revisions have helped to modernise trademark law in two important jurisdictions and there is much to encourage international brand owners
Columns
Donning the cloak of anonymity, in-house practitioners share candid insights about what is happening on the front line. In this opening column, our anonymous author considers how corporate counsel should deal with rogue marketing colleagues
While brand owners’ interest in Iran has increased since international sanctions were lifted in 2015, there has also been a corresponding spike in IP challenges
Trademark-related quotes, opinions and observations from around the globe
Country correspondent
Managing domain names involves maximising business opportunities while protecting against infringement. A clear internal domain name policy can help to reconcile these aims
As more and more companies use the Internet to sell goods and services, it is crucial to register the right domain name and then to protect it effectively
A well-balanced internal domain name policy is vital. Those doing business in Russia should consider national domain requirements, as well as national domain litigation practice
Domain name strategy and portfolio management should be a key component of a brand’s overall IP strategy. A mindful, measured and disciplined approach is crucial
China now has a comprehensive system in place for resolving disputes between rights holders and domain name holders in cases where these conflict
There are now over 3 million ‘.it’ domain names, making it vital that disputes be resolved swiftly and cost effectively. A review of cases decided last year provides a snapshot of case law in this area
There is still some dispute in India as to whether domain names should be protected in the same way as trademarks – particularly when it comes to common descriptive words and family names
Donald Trump was a vocal critic of the transfer of internet governance functions to ICANN in September 2016. What action is he likely to take now that he is president?
Roundtable
Practitioners from China, Germany and the United States discuss how to manage the brand lifecycle, exploring how counsel can ensure robust, innovative and effective creation and protection strategies
News
