Region: Europe

Blow for Google as General Court confirms likelihood of confusion between GPAY and EPAY

The court dismissed Google’s argument that the initial letter ‘G’ in its GPAY mark played a significant distinctive – and potentially dominant – role in that mark.

01 July 2024

I’m Blue (Da Ba Dee): Oslo District Court recognises colour mark protection for chocolate

It is arguably the first time that a brand owner has successfully established and enforced a colour mark at this level.

01 July 2024

Don’t let digital barriers block access to IP: why registries must prioritise web accessibility

Digital barriers must be overcome or they risk alienating users from the IP ecosystem, warns this week's Saturday opinion column.

29 June 2024

WIPO tops ranking of world’s most accessible IP office websites, but overall momentum to assist users slows

Exclusive WTR research reveals the national IP offices with the most (and least) accessible websites for users, with WIPO leading the way.

28 June 2024

Battle between Nike and Puma over FOOTWARE: General Court issues its decision

The court has confirmed that FOOTWARE refers to the ‘intended purpose’ of the relevant goods and services, which is a characteristic expressly listed in Article 7(1)(c).

28 June 2024

Blow for Société du Tour de France in TOUR DE X opposition

In a “particularly severe” decision, the General Court confirmed that there was no likelihood of confusion between TOUR DE X and the earlier TOUR DE FRANCE marks.

27 June 2024

Asia-Pacific filing decline continues; Russian applicants turn to WIPO: data analysis

WTR analyses trademark filing trends at major Asia-Pacific registers.

26 June 2024

Ukraine gives operational update; EUIPO expands mediation; USPTO appoints new deputy general counsel – IP office updates

In this latest update, we look at the USPTO offering Brazil flood relief, the IP Office of Ireland launching a new video series, and much more.

26 June 2024

General Court: Board of Appeal erred in assessing distinctiveness of ULTRA for beer

In this dispute between competing breweries Anheuser-Busch and Amstel, the court found that ‘ultra’ was a generic, laudatory term which was incapable of differentiating the commercial origin of the goods.

26 June 2024

Filings decline at CIPO, while most of Europe and North America sees growth

WTR analyses trademark filing trends at major North American and European registers.

25 June 2024