Features
The WTR Industry Awards 2020 honour leading trademark teams and individuals across a range of sectors. Here we unveil the shortlist.
Bill Coughlin, previously CEO of Ford Global Technologies, has taken up this role at Harness Dickey – a first for the firm. As more law firms appoint CEOs, both with and without legal experience, WTR speaks to Coughlin to find out why this trend is set to continue.
Lobbying is fundamental work for anyone looking to transform the IP industry. Politicians and experts from the United States to China offer their best tips in how to actively change the profession.
Many small businesses are unprepared for the costs of IP lawsuits or infringement. Until companies understand that intellectual property is about more than basic protection, they will overlook an important aspect of their IP strategy.
With over 20 years’ experience assessing the value of intangible assets worldwide, Brand Finance’s David Haigh warns that slow growth and an international crisis could mean that brands are on the brink of a global crash.
In environments where budgets are finite, creating a resilient, quantifiable methodology for making strategic filing decisions is key.
While European IP practice has begun to actively recognise and protect geographical indications, they are still treated with trepidation in the IP world.
For brand owners that need to protect and enforce their intellectual property in the Persian Gulf, understanding the impact of Sharia law can help to ensure their actions are more effective.
Despite courts vacillating between opposing positions on whether affixing a trademark to OEM goods for export constitutes use or non-use of a trademark, the Supreme People’s Court now appears to have settled on an answer.
Whether before lay jurors or a single judge, the art and science of trial advocacy remains largely the same – as this hypothetical case journey illustrates.
With new legislation regulating the use of cannabis-based medicines in Argentina and Brazil, the emerging market is an open playing field for pharmaceutical brands looking to make their mark in Latin America.
Chinese filing data reveals that while trademark output may be slowing down, local IP owners are just getting started as brand values skyrocket and focus turns to foreign registers.
In the 2020 edition of our exclusive research project into the most innovative IP offices in the world, we found significant improvements in non-core tools and services – although gaps remain.
Columns
Progress on diversity in the legal profession has been frustratingly low. In response, Intel is demanding more from its outside law firms – in ways that are making headlines.
As Amazon is crowned most valuable brand for the third year in a row, we take a closer look at what it takes to build and maintain the IP team behind this success.
Whether working in the corporate or law firm environment, trademark practice leaders should ensure that they have a considered wellbeing strategy in place.
The Chilean National Institute of Industrial Property has introduced a number of new initiatives in a bid to improve the representation of women in intellectual property.
Roundtable
Trademark experts from across the globe offer critical insight into brand creation best practice and guidance on pitfalls to avoid.
News
Country correspondent
Trademark squatting is rife in China, so it pays to register fast. If a dishonest filing has already been made, showing that a trademark enjoys a high reputation can help in opposition or invalidation proceedings.
The long-awaited Sky v Skykick decision brings new clarity to how well-known trademarks are treated in the European Union, although it also raises the question of what impact a strong brand might have on a court’s deliberations.
The passing of new trademark legislation has strengthened the hand of owners of well-known and famous marks in Malaysia. Case law under the new statute is sparse, but the courts remain supportive of rights holders.
Differences in the treatment of well-known and famous marks create pitfalls for the unwary. An administrative declaration is the best option, but obtaining one can be burdensome.
With few marks recognised as well known in Russia, evidence of use in the country, consistent branding and market research can be key to gaining such status, but it often requires perseverance.
A split among US circuit courts and an administrative court on the application of the well-known marks doctrine makes registration in the United States more important than ever. But famous marks will always attract greater protection.
