Columns
The latest regional domain, ‘.asia’, isgearing up to launch. Mark ownersshould be aware of the registration rulesand schedule to make the most of thisnew space – and avoid leaving the dooropen to cybersquatters
The well-known marks doctrine providessome protection to owners of well-knownunregistered or foreign marks. However,mark owners should be aware that not allcountries apply the doctrine to the samedegree
The Bush administration has initiatedproceedings against the Chinese at theWorld Trade Organization in Genevaover inadequate enforcement of IP rights.In doing so it has raised the stakesconsiderably
Trademark clearance is a thanklessbusiness: after spending hours preparingor reviewing search reports and opinions,the only satisfaction the trademarkcounsel often has that the mark was theright choice is if no objection is raisedor lawsuit filed against the mark andhe or she never hears about the markagain. This is true of all trademarks,but even more so of pharmaceuticalmarks, for which clearance involvesextra steps and hurdles
Features
Policing one’s trademark rights from misuse by thirdparties is a legitimate exercise to prevent the markfrom becoming generic. But some unscrupulousparties abuse the law
Today Intel is one of the best-known companies onthe planet. While cutting-edge technology has playeda large part in its success, fame has also been drivenby an innovative and ambitious branding strategy
A key trade hub, a booming economy and a commitmentto protecting IP rights mean that the UAE is an importantjurisdiction in which to register and enforce trademarkrights. The creation of a new IP Unit at Dubai Customs isa further sign that the UAE is getting tough on infringers
The Japanese government’s ambition to achieveeconomic growth through the development ofintellectual property puts a lot of pressure on thecountry’s IP office
Increasing inbound registrations via the MadridProtocol have seen the level of foreign-originatingtrademark work entering Japan diminish over thepast few years. However, the local Japanese marketremains strong
2006 was a bumper year for trademark registrations, particularly registrations made using theMadrid Protocol. However, the impressive figures conceal a lingering mistrust of the protocol in somenon-signatory countries, suggesting that there are still several myths and misapprehensionssurrounding the protocol that need to be dispelled
Earlier this year the Court of Appeal of England andWales upheld – seemingly for the first time – an‘inferred consent’ defence in a parallel import case.Is this a cause for concern for brand owners?
News
I am writing in response toarticles that have appearedrecently – including in yoursister publication WorldTrademark Report on March 21– criticizing Part IV of theRussian Civil Code, which willcome into force on January 12008. So is the law an outrightfailure or do the critics missthe point?
Roundtable
South Africa is a key jurisdiction for most multinational companies withinterests in Africa. Three specialist practitioners explore some of theissues currently facing trademark owners in the country
