IP Review
IP Review is a monthly round-up of what's going on in the world of IP, reporting on news regarding trademarks, patents, copyright, design rights and other forms of intellectual property from publications the world over.
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News Archive31 January: EU snaps on glove, start formal antitrust probe of Samsung
The European Union has started a formal antitrust investigation of Samsung over its use of 3G patents. 3G patents tend to be standards-related, meaning that companies holding them have to issue them to other firms on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms.
The Register
31 January: Specsavers to claim damages from Asda over short-sighted ad campaign
Specsavers is seeking damages from Asda after a court ruled that the supermarket infringed on the optician's trademark strapline. The Court of Appeal ruled that Asda's strapline 'spec saving at Asda' infringed Specsavers' trademarks.
Marketing Week
27 January: U.S. government invalidates potent Rambus patent
The last of three patents belonging to tech licensing company Rambus which were used to win infringement cases against Nvidia Corp, Hewlett-Packard and others have been declared invalid. The three patents were considered to be among Rambus' most valuable IP.
Reuters
24 January: Photographers face copyright threat after shock ruling
Photographers who compose a picture in a similar way to already existing images risk copyright infringement. Temple Island Collection Ltd, a UK souvenir maker, won a ruling against New English Teas who used a photo of a London Bus on its packaging.
Amateur Photographer
24 January: Facebook ‘adds £2bn to UK economy’
Facebook has estimated that it benefits the UK economy by more than £2bn a year. The social networking site commissioned a study by Deloitte which concluded that Facebook supports 35,200 UK jobs and adds £2.2bn to UK GDP each year.
The Guardian
24 January: Tepid response to RIM ‘shuffle’
Thorsten Heins, new chief executive at troubled technology giant Research in Motion, announced a positive outlook despite a continue slide in the company’s shares. Whilst RIM is growing strongly across the rest of the globe, they are still struggling in the U.S.
LF Press
23 January: Getty Images fights copyright infringement ruling in French court
Getty Images, the stock photo agency, is appealing a French court decision that could set a precedent affecting stock photographers across the world. The rights holders of iconic furniture designers want to stop the reproduction in print of “these art pieces”.
British Journal of Photography
20 January: Earthcomber files patent lawsuits against 12 real estate companies
Earthcomber is a patent technology that allows users of mobile devices to locate thing of special interest nearby. The company has filed ten lawsuits against a dozen real estate companies for allegedly infringing a 2006 patent.
AG Beat
19 January: MegaUpload shut down by the feds, founder arrested
MegaUpload, one of the largest file-sharing sites on the web, has been shut down by federal prosecutors its owner arrested. The Department of Justice claims that MegaUpload has caused the entertainment industries more than $500M in lost revenue.
TorrentFreak
18 January: Google, Amazon and M&S top YouGov’s BrandIndex for the second year running
Google, Amazon and M&S have held their position as the most highly-rated brands in 2011 according to the latest YouGov BrandIndex league table. BrandIndex measures consumers’ perception of brand on a day to day basis.
Fourth Source
17 January: Government urged to introduce Digital Economy Act anti-file-sharing code
The Film Policy Review Panel has advised the Government to implement anti-piracy measures outlined in the DEA “as quickly as possible”. In its draft code, Ofcom said that internet users should receive three warning letters from their ISP for copyright infringement.
Out-Law
16 January: Asda trademarks 'Asda Money'
There is mounting speculation that Asda will relaunch its ‘Asda Financial Sercices’ following the registration of an ‘Asda Money’ trademark. The trademark covers a range of functions including banking, credit and debit cards, mortgage lending, advisory and information services.
Marketing Magazine
12 January: Microsoft and LG Sign Patent Deal for Android, Chrome OS Devices
Microsoft announced that they have signed a patent licensing deal with LG covering LG devices running Android and Chrome OS. The new deal brings Microsoft’s total number of licensing agreements with OEMs of Chrome OS and Android-based devices to 11.
PC Magazine
12 January: Velvet Underground to sue Andy Warhol over banana image
The Velvet Underground has launched legal action over the use of their Andy Warhol-designed album cover. The band has accused the Andy Warhol Foundation of trademark infringement, alleging it illegally licensed the famous banana logo for use on other products.
BBC News
12 January: Ann Summers pick size 16 non-model as new face of brand
Lingerie chain Ann Summers has picked Lucy Moore, a size 16 student from Portsmouth, to be its new brand representative. The company ran an online public poll to find ‘the sexiest face in the UK’ in an effort to reinvigorate their brand image.
DollyMix
10 January: Microsoft Sues Two Chinese Fims for Selling Pirated Windows OS Software
Microsoft is suing two Chinese electronics retail chains – Gome Electrical Appliances and Buynow - for allegedly selling computers installed with pirated Windows and Office products. Microsoft had not specified how much it is seeking in damages.
IT Pro Portal
09 January: EMI sues used MP3 store ReDigi
EMI is suing used MP3 marketplace ReDigi over the technology and processes used by the company. EMI Publishing believes that ReDigi’s method of sale involves duplication and alleges the company makes multiple unauthorised copies of the media.
Music Week
09 January: Android litigation seen adding ‘significant value’ for Apple shareholders
Chris Whitmore, analyst with Deutsche Bank, issued a note to AAPL shareholders claiming that the outcome of litigation between Apple and Android handset makers will add “significant value” for them.
Apple Insider
09 January: HMV to scale back video games
Struggling music retailer HMV is considering scaling back sales of video games after reporting a fall in like-for-like sales during the five-week Christmas period. The company did not lose any market share in music or DVDs but video games sales fell 16pc across the UK.
The Telegraph
06 January: Patent filings reach ‘historically unprecedented levels’, says WIPO report
Patent applications saw 7.2% growth in 2010 according to WIPO. The group cites three factors as ‘potentially determinant’ to this increase over the years: multiple filings for the same invention; greater R&D activity; and patenting in new technological areas.
CPA Global
05 December: TUI Travel swings to year profit; UK strong
TUI Travel announced it had swung to a profit for the fiscal year, with its dividend pay-out up by 2.7%. Revenue for the 12 months to September 30 was GBP 14.69 billion, up from GBP 13.51 billion for the previous year.
Market Watch
04 December: Apple fails to block Samsung from US market
A judge in the US has denied Apple’s attempt to block the sale of a range of Samsung Android devices. The ruling means that the latest Samsung devices will be available for sale during the peak shopping period of the year.
PCR Online
03 December: Apple licensed iOS scrolling patent to Nokia and IBM, offered license to Samsung
Apple licensed an iOS software patent related to scrolling functionality to Nokia and IBM and last year offered to license to Samsung in 2010. Apple reasserted this patent during their current legal tussle with Samsung.
The Verge
01 December: Samsung lands blow on Apple as ban on tablet sales is overturned
Samsung landed a victory against Apple after a ban on sales of its tablet computers in Australia was overturned. Samsung will be able to resume selling the device within days meaning they will be back in stores in time for the Christmas period.
The Independent
01 December: ‘Cowboys & Aliens’ sparks copyright infringement lawsuit
Comic book artist Steven John Busti has filed a lawsuit against the creators of the film ‘Cowboys & Alien’s claiming that the concept was stolen from a story that he wrote and drew. Busti is seeking unspecified damages claiming copyright infringement.
Reuters
29 November: Counterfeits, tracking shoppers, Tessera: intellectual property
Law enforcement agencies in the US seized 150 domain names of websites found to be selling counterfeit goods. The seizures are part of a continuing operation started in June 2010 to try and crack down on retailers violating intellectual property laws.
Bloomberg
29 November: Thomas Cook soars after lenders provide additional funding
Thomas Cook Group Plc rose 21 percent in London trading after banks agreed to provide them with a loan that will give it time to reorganize its business. The rise comes after the 75 percent drop on November 22 when the company admitted it was in talks with banks.
Business Week
24 November: European Court overturns rule on illegal file sharing
The highest court in the European Union ruled that ISPs could not be forced to monitor their customers’ online activity to filter illegal sharing of copyrighted material. The court said that such a requirement was disproportionate and would violate “the freedom to conduct business”.
NY Times
23 November: Persil to choose brand ambassador via Facebook
Unilever is asking consumers which “stain ambassador” it should appoint for its Persil laundry brand via its Facebook app. It is also asking consumers what kind of “little extras”, such as vouchers and loyalty points, they would prefer.
Marketing Week
22 November: Big Tobacco launches legal fight
Philip Morris has announced it has launched court proceedings against the Australian government who plan to bring in plain packaging laws for cigarettes. Philip Morris claims this breaches an international treaty and damages the value of their brand.
The Age
22 November: Apple cleared of violating HTC patents
The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has ruled that Apple did not infringe patents owned by a business, S3, that rival manufacturer HTC is in the process of buying. S3’s shares fell 4.9 per cent on after the ruling was reported.
The Telegraph
21 November: Chinese games consortium sues Baidu for copyright infringement
Content Provider Union, a group of Chinese game developers, is suing search engine Baidu for copyright infringement. CPU claims that Baidu stole “as many as 354 mobile games” from them and are seeking 30-million yuan in payment.
Memeburn
16 November: Google, Facebook oppose piracy bills
Facebook, Google, Twitter and Yahoo! have joined up in opposition to legislation in the US designed to crack down on piracy. The firms said in a joint letter that the current bill would “expose law-abiding US internet and technology companies to new uncertain liabilities”.
News 24
15 November: China’s patent power peril
In China, foreign firms face an uphill battle if accused of infringing a Chinese patent, as statistics show that the patent holders are virtually guaranteed victory. Companies are beginning to consider two options in obtaining rights to a patent: trying to obtain a Chinese patent or pick a legal battle on home soil.
Vancouver Sun
14 November: Stella Artois launched Christmas themed packaging ads
Stella Artois is launching limited edition festive packaging and updating its marketing to try and exploit its heritage as a lager originally crafted for Christmas. The campaign is backed by social and digital media activity, including TV advertising.
Marketing Magazine
14 November: Warner Bros.’ botched takedown requests boost SOPA opponents
Warner Bros, who are suing cyberlocker service Hotfile for copyright infringement, have now admitted that it didn’t thoroughly check claims before asking Hotfile to remove material, meaning some material being removed was not owned by or even affiliated with them.
Media Post
10 November: Virgin Media, TalkTalk snub kind offer to block Newzbin2
Having won a high court ruling against BT, forcing it block access to Newzbin2, the MPA has asked TalkTalk and Virgin Media to consent to a similar order. Both companies have released statements that they would only do so if forced to by a court order.
The Register
10 November: UK rejects big brand advertising on Twitter, Facebook
A survey by global data firm TNS found that 61% of people in the UK didn’t like or want big brands advertising on social media sites. Internet Week Europe claimed in a panel discussion that it was important for companies to consider the people they were talking to first, not what they want to tell them.
Huffington Post
09 November: Producers of U2’s ‘Spider-Man’ musical sued by former director
The original director, Julie Taymor, was sacked from the show in March after it received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics. She is now seeking $1m in damages, claiming that her creative rights have been violated and that she had not been paid appropriately for her work.
NME
08 November: Havas Media has unveiled the 2011 meaningful brands research
In a study of roughly 300 global brands, Havas media has identified them according to their meaningfulness to customers. The top three brands within the UK were Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Unilever. Customers felt that these brands contribute most to their individual and collective wellbeing in the UK.
Popsop
08 November: LG signs deal with patent giant Intellectual Ventures
LG Electronics is the latest smartphone maker to sign a deal with patent house Intellectual Ventures. LG will be able to access IV’s patents and threaten counter-attacks against any firm planning an IP lawsuit. Industry watchers have predicted that other businesses are likely to strike similar deals.
BBC News
07 November: Yale professor appeals overruling of patent victory against Apple
David Gelernter, a computer science professor from Yale University, is appealing an overruling of his company Mirror Worlds’ win against Apple in a patent infringement case. Apple appealed the jury’s decision and earned a stay on ruling, which if uncontested would have been the “the fourth-biggest patent verdict in US history”.
The Next Web
03 November: Unilever – ‘UK still top for marketing brainpower’
Unilever’s global communications planning director Geoff Seeley, speaking at MediaPro 2011, announced that the UK is still at the forefront in “communications thinking”. He claimed that the UK has the marketing brainpower and is “leading the way we think about communications”.
Marketing Week
03 November: Another NinjaVideo.net founder pleads guilty
Justin Dedemko, a co-founder of NinjaVideo.net, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit copyright infringement. Dedemko faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. NinjaVideo generated $505,000 in income from Internet advertising and visitor donations, of which Dedemko has agreed to pay $58,004 in restitution.
PC World
02 November: Sony revamps TV business after seven straight annual losses
Sony Corp., having had seven consecutive annual losses in television manufacturing, have reorganised the business into three groups. One group will oversee liquid-crystal-display operations, one will coordinate contract manufacturing and the third will oversee the development of next-generation sets.
Business Week
01 November: Restructuring of JJB cost £107m
Restructuring of sports retailer JJB cost the business more than £100m over the last year. JJB Sports entered into a Company Voluntary Arrangement, an agreement to repay a portion of debt over a period of time, in the first quarter of 2011.
Accountancy Age
31 October: Match.com launches free Facebook dating app
Match.com has launched a Facebook dating app as it moves to maintain its position as the top of the UK paid-for-dating market. The online dating industry is crowded with hundreds of free-to-use services but Match’s portfolio are the most visited paid-for-dating sites in the UK.
Marketing Week
28 October: SeeSaw video-on-demand television website is shut down
The British streaming television service, SeeSaw, has been closed after less than two years. A group of investors led by Criterion Capital Partners took a majority stake in the business in July. Experts said the business was pushed out of the online video market by bigger players.
BBC News
27 October: ‘Rogue websites’ bill introduced in US house
US lawmakers introduced a bill on Wednesday that would give US authorities more tools to fight websites accused of piracy or the sale of counterfeit goods. Whilst the legislation is backed by Hollywood and the music industry, free speech organisations claim it is a serious threat to online innovation.
Associated Free Press
26 October: BT given two weeks to block Newzbin2
BT has been given 14 days to block access to file-sharing website Newzbin2. The case marks the first time a British ISP has been told to block a website to protect rights holders’ revenues. BT must pay the £5,000 cost of implementing the block alongside any other costs incurred.
ZDNET
24 October: Microsoft snags Compal for patent licences
Microsoft has signed up Compal, one of the largest original design manufacturers, as part of its Android patent licensing operation. Such agreements mean that Microsoft is reportedly making around $440m a year from Google’s Android operating system.
The Inquirer
24 October: 800K fewer subscribers humbles Netflix
Netflix reported a loss of 810,000 subscribers for the three months ending September 30. Netflix also expects to report a global loss for the first quarter of 2012. The problems started when Netflix announced in July that customers would have to pay more for Netflix’s services.
CNET
19 October: Google on the verge of opening music store
Google is close to opening a music store to compete with Amazon and Apple. The move may be a result of pressure on Google after Apple secured licensing rights for iCloud, a cloud storage and computing service to rival Amazon’s own cloud locker.
PC World
17 October: Samsung sues Apple in Japan and Australia to Halt iPhone 4S
Samsung have sued Apple in Japan and Australia in attempt to halt sales of the iPhone 4S. Samsung also sought injunctions against the sale of the iPad 2 and the iPhone 4 in some countries, escalating the legal battle between the world’s two biggest makers of smartphones and tablet computers.
Business Week
14 October: BlackBerry’s brand reputation plummets
BlackBerry’s brand reputation has slumped following the global service outage it faced this month. The brand’s YouGov buzz rating, which measures positive and negative things said about a brand, has fallen dramatically since the serve faced disruptions across the world.
Marketing Week
12 October: Online surge spearheads rise in marketing budgets
Marketing budgets were revised up in the last quarter putting end to a nine month period of decline within the industry. For the first time since the second quarter of 2007, budgets for all sectors were revised up with the internet seeing the steepest increase.
City A.M.
11 October: Unilever, Sainsbury’s: ‘Don’t wait for customer demand – create it’
A report from Sainsbury’s, Unilever and Forum for the Future says companies need to drive sustainability rather than waiting for consumers to demand it. Consumer Futures 2020 claims that companies should use marketing, communications and innovation to create consumer demand for such goods.
Environmental Leader
11 October: Spotify posts losses despite impressive growth
Spotify has reported an operating loss of £26.5 million for 2010 though full-year revenue was £63.2 million, up from £50 million for 2009. Whilst Spotify reported it had over 2 million paying subscribers it faces growing competition as many other companies have entered the growing market.
Tech Radar
10 October: ISPs win right to challenge Digital Economy Act judicial review ruling
ISPs today won the right to an appeal to overturn a judicial review ruling in April concerning the Digital Economy Act, which they claim violates EU laws on privacy and electronic communications. BT and TalkTalk would be forced to suspend users found to be infringing copyrighted material.
Out-Law
09 October: EU approves Microsoft purchase of Skype
Microsoft’s $8.5 billion purchase of internet communications firm Skype has been approved by antitrust regulators in the EU. The European Commission felt there were no competition concerns as the market contains “numerous players” including Google.
Windows IT Pro
07 October: Emirates buys place on Tube map in £36m cable car deal
Emirates are revealed to be the backer of Boris Johnson’s cable car project, which will link the O2 arena in Greenwich with the Excel exhibition at the Royal Docks. Emirates will see its branding on all future versions of the Tube map design, the first example of corporate branding on the map.
Evening Standard
06 October: Budweiser unveils new ‘Bowtie’ can design
Budweiser have unveiled new cans and packaging that it will bring to the UK this month. Iain Newell, Budweiser’s European Marketing director, said the new packaging has an “updated, contemporary look”, incorporating “long-standing brand hallmarks”.
The Drum
06 October: France to suspend illegal file-sharers’ internet connections?
The French authorities have threatened to suspend the internet connections of up to 60 web users for illegal download of copyrighted materials. These individuals are the first to receive a final letter of warning in a new scheme introduced in 2010 to tackle unlawful file-sharing.
Digital Spy
05 October: Microsoft considering fresh bid for Yahoo, say sources
Microsoft is considering a new attempt to take control of Yahoo more than three years after its first bid for the company failed. Yahoo’s share price has since collapsed and is worth a fraction of what it was but buying it would allow Microsoft scale that it currently lacks online.
The Guardian
04 October: Premier League fans can buy cheap foreign TV coverage, EU rules
The EU’s highest court ruled that it is not illegal for individuals to buy set-top box decoder cards from foreign broadcasters. The court stated that the FA Premier League cannot stop individuals from looking for better deals for TV sports subscriptions than that offered by BskyB.
The Guardian
03 October: Rhapsody acquires Napster music service
Rhapsody will acquire Napster, merging the two music companies’ subscriber bases. Jon Irwin, president of Rhapsody, is hoping this acquisition will extend their lead over other competitors in the market in what he calls a “’go big or go home’” business.
PC Magazine
03 October: Saatchi wins Kraft’s Trident after global review
Saatchi & Saatchi have won creative advertising duties for Trident, owned by Kraft Food’s and the world’s largest gum brand. The move was sparked by Kraft in July as they hope to bring ‘fresh thinking’ to the brand and improve on performance and sales globally.
Ad Age
30 September: Greggs opens its first coffee shop
High street bakery Greggs opened its first concept coffee shop in Newcastle today. The ‘Greggs Moment’ will stock around 50 new products created especially for it. Customers will be able to enjoy quality coffee or tea in a British-themed café.
KAM City
29 September: World’s most profitable Android company? Microsoft
Microsoft could earn $444 million from Android this year from royalties paid over undisclosed patents. Motorola remains the only big Android device maker that is yet to pay off Microsoft and Google look keen to keep it that way.
ZDNET
29 September: Amazon ignites tablet war with Fire, takes on Apple
Amazon.com Inc released the long-awaited Kindle Fire, the new tablet that may pose a serious threat to the dominance of Apple’s iPad. Whilst the Kindle Fire lacks many of the high-tech components of its competitors, the low market price is a real threat to others in the tablet market.
Reuters
28 September: Aston Martin beats Apple to coolest brand title
Iconic British car maker Aston Martin has beaten out the likes of Apple to take the title of coolest brand for the second year running. Annual league tables are put together by Superbrands who survey business professionals, marketing experts and UK consumers.
Product Reviews
27 September: Fairtrade and Mars announce agreements to start in 2012
Mars Chocolate and Fairtrade International announced an agreement to introduce Mars products with the Fairtrade label. The move will begin with Maltesers carrying the label in the UK and Ireland in 2012, which will contribute $1m a year in Fairtrade Premium Funds.
Kennedy’s Confection
26 September: Price guns at the ready as Tesco declares war
After price cuts by Tesco, rival Asda said it would continue to undercut them in what could trigger one of the biggest price battles in the industry. Tesco said it will slash the cost of more than 3,000 essentials to regain market share lost to discount chains such as Aldi and Lidl.
The Scotsman
22 September: Domestic court to decide if M&S infringed Interflora’s trademark rights
The European Court of Justice has ruled that Marks & Spencer can use Interflora’s trademark as part of its keyword advertising on major search engines, but it will fall to a domestic court to determine whether it breached the florist’s trademark rights.
The Lawyer
21 September: Rival brewer fails to ban Heineken ad
An advert featuring a man at a party impressing guests with his dance moves and martial arts skills has avoided being banned. Molson Coors, a rival to Heineken, claimed the ad was irresponsible as it gave the impression that alcohol could enhance personal qualities and talents.
Campaign Live
20 September: BBC sues Silvio Berlusconi for ‘copying’ Strictly Come Dancing
The BBC is suing Silvio Berlusconi’s television network, accusing the Italian broadcaster of copying the format of Strictly Come Dancing. Lawyers for BBC worldwide claim Mediaset have breached copyright by scheduling a racier version of the dance show.
The Telegraph
19 September: Poor websites costing retailers dear
Retailers have lost out on sales worth £500m over the past three years. According to analysis, would be consumers are choosing to log off rather than attempt to manoeuvre through poorly presented websites. Morrisons was judged to be one of the worst, losing out on £314m in sales in 2007 – 2010.
The Drum
15 September: J Sainsbury to relaunch its own-brand range
In an attempt to attract cash-strapped shoppers, Sainsbury is relaunching its standard own-label range, which accounts for a third of sales, under the “by Sainsbury’s” label. It will also change its advertising slogan from the current ‘Try something new today’ to ‘Live well for less’.
Financial Times
15 September: .XXX marks the spot in rampant rush for new domain
The new .xxx domain name has been the centre of some controversy since it opened for registration on 7 September. Whilst some are critical that it will allow easy blocking of adult content, there is praise for the fact that the registration process will protect brands from infringement and cyber-squatters.
New Legal Review
14 September: Tesco in hot water over pig welfare claims
An advert for Tesco’s Butcher’s Choice sausages has been given the axe after the advertising watchdog claimed it misleadingly implied that the meat used for the sausages came from free-range pigs. Tesco has said they did not believe it was misleading but the ASA ruled that it breached advertising regulations.
The Grocer
14 September: Topman pulls T-shirts with ‘sexist and offensive’ slogans from UK stores
Topman has withdrawn two t-shirts from sale after a slew of negative publicity from social media users suggesting the shirts are offensive to women. Topman released a statement on Twitter and Facebook claiming that whilst the shirts were meant to be “light-hearted” they would be pulled from stores.
The Metro
13 September: Dolby wins licensing fees on BlackBerry, PlayBook
Dolby has won “standard terms” from Research in Motion in two lawsuits over the use of audio technologies. RIM, maker of BlackBerrys and PlayBooks, will now have to pay Dolby undisclosed licensing fees, with Dolby revealing to analysts that they expected around $15m in back royalties.
The Register
11 September: Jeremy Hunt – Google and co must take on pirate sites
Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt will tell a television industry gathering that he wants ISPs and search engines to play a far bigger role in combating piracy. He will question the regulation of the online world, emphasising that the law should apply online in the same way it does in the real world.
BBC News
09 September: Ann Summers partners TOWIE to dispel ‘negative’ image
Ann Summers is attempting to change its public image by teaming up with the creators of ‘The Only Way is Essex’ for their first ever TV campaign. The campaign will aim to find “the sexiest face in the UK”, encouraging viewers to reappraise the company following a rebrand.
Brand Republic
09 September: Droplets sue Apple for patent infringement
Droplets Inc. have filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Apple, specifically for violating patents related to interactive links to applications on its website, its movie trailer site and iTunes. The case was filed in Eastern Texas where cases tend to see rapid resolution in favour of rights holders.
Ubergizmo
09 September: Authors’ guild sues universities over book digitization project
Several groups representing book authors have filed suit against universities who partnered with Google to help digitise some works. The groups want to block both digital lending and an orphaned works project. The suit is being brought by the Authors’ Guild and its equivalents in Australia, Canada and the UK.
Ars Technica
08 September: Turner Broadcasting Acquires LazyTown Brand and Announces New Series
Turner Broadcasting System Europe, owners of Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Cartoonito, announced the acquisition of Latibaer, the Icelandic group who own and operate LazyTown. The announcement came with a commitment to produce a new series of LazyTown.
PR Newswire
07 September: Aldi tea advert found not to breach advertising code
An Aldi advertisement which depicts a woman revealing that whilst her husband likes tea, she prefers gin does not breach the CAP code. The advert received 24 complaints but the ASA ruled that the ad did not breach the CAP code.
The Drum
05 September: Are lawmakers smoking out tobacco brands?
Greggs launched its first digital campaign in preparation for the launch of a new range of doughnuts. Each of the four doughnut flavours will be introduced to consumers via individual promotional videos on YouTube.
New Legal Review
05 September: High street braced for more closures after summer of riots and gloom
Britain’s high street retailers are preparing for further closures following one of the worst summer trading periods for year. Sales figures for August slipped 2.2% in light of the riots, volatile stockmarkets and poor weather, the worst drop since the depths of the recession.
The Guardian
01 September: Pernod Ricard says consumer spending is recovering
Pernod Ricard, owner of Absolut and Jameson, have exceeded targets thanks to a recovery in consumer spending and a stronger focus on premium brands. The company reported an 8% increase in sales for the year ending June 30.
Marketing Week
01 September: US judge tells Levi’s to take its Euro problems to Europe
A US court has ruled that it could not rule whether an online trader had breached EU trademark laws. Levi Strauss & Co argued that Papikian Enterprises had violated the EU’s Trademark Directive; the judge has ruled that Levi’s must take their case to the relevant EU member states.
The Register
01 September: Greggs takes on Krispy Kreme with digital doughnut campaign
Greggs launched its first digital campaign in preparation for the launch of a new range of doughnuts. Each of the four doughnut flavours will be introduced to consumers via individual promotional videos on YouTube.
EquiMedia
30 August: Sunderland appoints first international marketing director
Sunderland AFC has appointed former Manchester United commercial executive Mike Farnan to the national and international post. The move comes as the club launches a Korean version of their site, hoping to tap into the interest in football in Korea particularly after its signing of Korean striker Ji Dong-Won.
Marketing Magazine
26 August: Star Scientific loses new trial bid in Reynolds tobacco case
Star Scientific Inc. has lost a decade-long battle to extract patent royalties from Reynolds American Inc. on a method to reduce carcinogens in cigarettes. The US Court of Appeals upheld two Star patents but claimed a new trial wouldn’t change the ruling which saw them lose to Reynolds in court.
Bloomberg
25 August: Sugababe Mutya Buena’s sweet court ruling
Original Sugababes band member, Mutya Buena, has won the right to the use of the Sugababes name. However, the ruling only allows her the rights to “certain paper products” including posters, whilst the right to use the name in association with all areas of music production resides with the band’s label.
The Mirror
23 August: EMI win partial victory over MP3Tunes
The EMI Group won a partial victory against MP3Tunes, an online music storage site. A judge ruled that MP3Tunes contributed to infringement by failing to remove unauthorised songs after being asked to. However, the judge rejected EMI’s request for a ruling concerning downloads by MP3Tunes employees.
Music Week
19 August: Abercrombie sees off brand association
Mike Jefferies, chief executive of Abercrombie & Fitch, announced that the cast of MTV reality show Jersey Shore does not fit the brand’s image. Whilst Abercrombie’s precise motivation remains unknown, such a move shows the impact unintended brand endorsement can have.
Financial Times
18 August: Foster’s rejects £6.2bn hostile bid from SABMiller
Foster’s announced to shareholders it intends to defend itself against a hostile bid from London-listed rival SABMiller, believing it “significantly undervalues” the business. SABMiller’s was rebuffed by Foster’s in June, hence their decision to target shareholders rather than the Foster’s board this time round.
The Guardian
18 August: YouTube signs deal with independent music publishers after being threatened with legal action
YouTube has ended a four-year legal tussle by signing a deal with the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA). The deal means that YouTube will pay royalties generated from views of user uploaded videos that contain music by artists whom the NMPA represent.
NME
16 August: Innocent’s ‘David vs Goliath’ trademark battle reaches resolution
Innocent Vitamins, founded by a single mum of two, has backed down in its trademark dispute with Innocent Drinks and have agreed to stop operating under the ‘innocent’ brand name. The “amicable” agreement will see Innocent Vitamins rebranded under new names.
Marketing Week
16 August: Kaneka files lawsuit against Future Garments & Eurox
Kaneka Corporation has filed a trademark infringement case against Future Garments Limited and Eurox (UK) Limited. Kaneka’s lawsuit seeks to protect its European Community registered trademarks for PROTEX, a high quality, flame retardant fibre.
fibre2fashion
11 August: Samsung vows to hit back as Apple blocks tablet
After a ruling in a court in Germany led to Samsung’s new tablet being pulled from sale across Europe, the company claimed it intended to “act immediately” to defend its intellectual property rights. Samsung are countersuing Apple in South Korea, Japan, the US and Germany.
The Independent
10 August: Over 200,000 Bittorrent users have been sued
Rights holders have sued over 200,000 Bittorrent users in the US since the beginning of 2010 in attempt to regain lost revenues. Most cases have not gone to trial with defendants largely being offered settlements ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
The Inquirer
09 August: Courts find against patent troll, fine troll lawyers for filing phony lawsuits
The Court of Appeal for the Federal Circuit has defended Flagstar Bancorp against Eon-Net LP and have even gone as far as to fine the prosecution’s lawyers. The court ruled that the company’s lawsuit had “indicia of extortion” and fined them for filing lawsuits with the intent to harass.
Geekosystem
06 August: Lady Gaga faces Judas plagiarism accusations
Singer-songwriter Rebecca Francescatti is claiming that single borrow significantly from her 1999 single, ‘Juda’. Ms Francescatti worked with Brian Joseph Gaynor, a member of DJ White Shadow, who worked with Lady Gaga on her most recent album.
The Metro
03 August: Apprentice star Stuart Baggs trademarks name to become real “brand”
Former Apprentice contestant Stuart “the brand" Baggs has trademarked his own name ahead of launching merchandise and his own stage show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Baggs is in discussion with TV and radio companies to try and launch his own show.
Marketing Week
02 August: Vince Cable: government plans to block illegal filesharing sites unworkable
Coming after the high court ruling forcing BT to cut off access to Newzbin2 last week, Vince Cable announced that government plans to block illegal filesharing sites under the Digital Economy Act are currently unworkable.
The Guardian
01 August: Summit sues over hacked ‘Twilight Saga’ images and video
Summit Entertainment is taking legal action after images and videos from the upcoming ‘Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn’ movie were leaked onto the Internet.
Reuters
01 August: ‘Inventors’ claim FarmVille and other Zynga games infringe on patent
Zynga, creators of Facebook games such as FarmVille and CityVille, is being sued by Segan LLC for infringing on a patent. The company have no web presence and are speculated to hold patents in order to target companies who infringe upon them.
Tech Crunch
28 July: BT Ordered to block film piracy site
A High Court judge ruled that BT, the biggest ISP in Britain, must block clients from visiting Newzbin2, which provides users with access to illegal downloads. The ruling is a landmark case, which could well see other sites banned in attempts to crackdown on online piracy.
The Evening Standard
27 July: Lucasfilm loses U.K. Supreme Court bid over Stormtrooper helmet copyright
Lucasfilm has lost in a court battle, having attempted to sue Andrew Ainsworth for selling Stormtrooper costumes. Ainsworth argued that because the uniforms were functional, not merely artistic works, meaning they are not subject to full copyright laws.
Daily Business Review
26 July: Microsoft hit with lawsuit in Kinect tech spat
Microsoft faces legal action after Impulse Technologies have claimed that the Xbox Kinect violates seven of their patents. The company are also challenging eight other developers, from EA to Konami, for intellectual property theft.
The Register Hardware
25 July: Angry Birds maker sued by US firm Lodsys for 'violating patents'
Rovio, makers of the well-known Angry Birds game, are facing a lawsuit for ‘violating Lodsys patents’. The prevalance of such lawsuits has prompted questions as to whether or not the EU will change its own patent rights to align with those in the US.
The Telegraph
22 July: Motorola could split patents and handsets
Private equity investor Carl Icahn has urged Motorola to split off its patent portfolio in answer to surging interest in wireless technology. Icahn estimates that doing so could value the company’s shares at $44 rather than $25.19.
UK Reuters
21 July: Furious Kim Kardashian sues Old Navy for using lookalike model
Kim Kardashian is suing clothing brand Old Navy for upwards of $15 million for use of a lookalike model in their new campaign. Her attorney claims the ads violate Kardashian’s intellectual property rights as her ‘identity and persona are valuable’ assets.
The Daily Mail
20 July: Javier Bardem takes a stand for actors' rights
Javier Bardem is campaigning for the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) to give actors the same rights as musicians and screenwriters in taking action against anyone who illegally downloads their work.
Digital Spy
18 July: HTC suffers after losing Apple patent ruling
HTC share prices dropped by almost 6.5 per cent following a preliminary patent infringement ruling to Apple. Investors worry that the legal battle could have wider implications for the competitive balance between Apple and Google Android based phonemakers.
The Financial Times
14 July: Supreme Court to hear first patent case
The UK Supreme Court will hear its first patent case of Eli Lilly v Human Genome Sciences Inc. to discuss whether the UK legal system should follow European Patent Office case law.
Managing Patents
12 July: EU Court says eBay must comply with trademark rules
The European General Court has ruled that online sellers will be subject to trademark law as part of a case brought against eBay by L'Oréal. The court ruled that any seller aiming to market products to EU citizens will be liable to those countries laws.
PC World
08 July: AT&T Joins Verizon in web-piracy fight to preempt U.S. crackdown
AT&T, Verizon and Comcast have vowed to tackle piracy by sending customers electronic alerts asking them to desist in an attempt to curb online piracy, which is estimated to have cost businesses between $30-75bn in loss of revenue for 2008.
Bloomberg
05 July: 'Massive infringement' case against CNET dropped
A lawsuit lodged against CNET in May accusing them of profiting from the sale of over 220 million copies of Limewire, a peer-to-peer file sharing program, has been dropped.
Wired
03 July: US anti-piracy body targets foreign website owners for extradition
British website owners could face extradition to the US on charges of piracy, whether or not they have any direct connection to America. Any website address that ends in .com or .net may face prosecution if it is implicated in illegal sharing of US-based media.
The Guardian
02 July: ITC complaint could end Apple/Samsung deal
The on-going legal battle between Apple and Samsung could see Samsung rescinding on previously made deals to provide components for the iPhone and iPad as Samsung’s interest to defend Galaxy outweighs a desire to retain Apple as customers.
International Business Times
01 July: Court expands Whirlpool Corporation patent win against LG Electronics
A court today affirmed a March 2010 ruling that LG refrigerators infringed Whirlpool Corporation’s patented technology, expanding the earlier ruling to include another line of LG fridges and acknowledging LG’s infringement of a second Whirlpool patent.
PR Newswire
29 June: Hollywood film studios launch piracy test case against BT
Hollywood’s top film studios, Disney, Fox and Paramount have joined forces to crack down on online movie pirates by launching a landmark legal case against BT.
Metro
24 June: Apple unlikely to win App store trademark dispute
District Judge Phyllis Hamilton at the Oakland federal court has indicated to Apple that it would be difficult to prove that confusion will arise from Amazon.com's use of the term App Store with the Apple Store. The case continues.
Celluar-news
24 June: Rihanna getting sued twice over S&M video for copyright infringement
Photographers Phillip Paulus and David LaChappelle are suing R&B singer Rihanna for copyright infringement in her latest S&M video. The claims include that the Rihanna video contains significant similarities to his creative ideas.
The Fab Life
21 June: Don't mess with the Geek Squad: Best Buy electronics giant claims to own the word 'geek' which it uses on logo
Best Buy continues its strategy of cracking down on companies making use of the word 'geek' which it claims clashes and indirectly makes an association with them.
Mail Online
20 June: ICAAN approves plan to add brand-name domains
After three years of negotiations, ICAAN finally approved a move to revolutionise the internet, making way for firms to leverage their brands and create new top level domain names such as .coke, .google, or .anything, and use other characters such as Chinese.
Government Computer News
20 June: Cadbury's Naomi Campbell ad not racist, rules watch dog
Advertising Standards Agency has ruled that Cadbury's advert on its Cadbury's Bliss range of Diary Milk Chocolate with the strapline 'move over Naomi, there's a new diva in town' is not racist.
Guardian
17 June: Apple: Samsung and Apple battle intensifies
Apple intensified its battle against Samsung, further claiming that the company copied the look and feel of its iPhone and iPad.
CNET
17 June: LOCOG withdraws Great Exhibition 2012 trademark complaint
The London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) had to withdraw its complaint against The Great Exhibition Company's trademark application for its Great Exhibition 2012. A LOCOG senior lawyer said there was no specific association with the London 2012 Olympics.
Exhibtion News
15 June: Apple sued by New York publisher over use of 'iBooks'
JT Colby, a New York publisher, filed a lawsuit against Apple for infringing its 10 year trademark 'iBooks'. JT Colby claimed that Apple's latest use of iBooks has irreversibly damaged its ibooks brand rendering it virtually worthless.
Bloomberg
10 June: Microsoft must pay $290m for patent infringement
A US supreme court has ruled against Microsoft and ordered them to pay $290m in damages to i4i, a small Canadian company for infringing its technology.
BBC
09 June: Google faces Chromebook trademark dispute
Google is facing a trademark dispute with Isys Technologies, whose president and CEO Jason A. Sullivan stated that the Google's infringes their ChromiumPC IP.
Simplify Digital
09 June: Skype sued in for patent infringement
Via Vadis LLC, a Luxembourg technology company has filed another lawsuit against Skype for infringing its technology on making use of its two patents for accessing and managing data in computer systems.
Yahoo News
09 June: Gloucestershire Old Spots breeders win trademark case
The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has invalidated the trademak Bramley Old Spot. Old Spots Pork has to originate from two pedigree Gloucester Old Spots pigs.
BBC
01 June: Reports on IP Conference in Bangalore brings out some interesting IP issues
A major summit in Bangalore India was held recently, highlighting the growing importance of, and focus on, IP there.
ITAG Business Solutions Ltd
27 May: Paypal sues Google over technology
Google is being sued by Paypal over accusations the technology in the search engine’s new Google Wallet was stolen from Paypal.
Marketing Week
27 May: Rights to Lotus name decided
Group Lotus has been awarded the right to compete in F1 under the Lotus Racing name and has been awarded damages, to be paid by Team Lotus owner 1Malaysia Racing Team, which will also be able to compete in F1 using its existing Team Lotus name.
Autocar
26 May: EU declines coat of arms trademark
The European Court of Justice has rejected an application from His Royal Highness Ernst August, Prince of Hanover, Duke of Brunswick and Lüneburg, Prince of Great Britain and Ireland to register his coat of arms as a trademark as it was too similar to the royal emblem of the UK.
European Voice
25 May: Nikon sues Sigma over lens patent
Nikon has filed a patent infringement suit against Sigma, seeking an injunction and damages of £96.4m, for the alleged infringement of its vibration reduction technology used in its interchangeable lenses.
British Journal of Photography
24 May: Louboutin sues YSL for infringement
Shoe designer Christian Louboutin is suing YSL over accusations the fashion house is infringing the designer’s trademarked red-soled shoes. YSL claims the trademark is invalid citing Dorothy from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and King Louis XIV’s preference for red shoes.
Grazia
24 May: Apple seizes Samsung Galaxy prototypes
A US court has ordered Samsung to release prototype samples of its new Galaxy mobile phone to Apple, as part of Apple’s dispute with Samsung over its alleged copying of the iPhone.
Top10.com
20 May: Apple defends ‘App Store’ trademark
Apple is defending itself against accusations from Microsoft that its ownership of the trademark ‘App Store’ is invalid on grounds of it being generic. Apple disputes this saying: ““Apple denies that, based on their common meaning, the words ‘app store’ together denote a store for apps.”’
RCRWireless
19 May: TUI uses Thomson and First Choice brands to plug pension hole
TUI Travel PLC has announced arrangements which contribute its leading brands, Thomson and First Choice, to its pension funds thereby reducing its deficit and lowering annual contributions. Intangible Business valued the brands and assisted with arrangements.
Intangible Business
18 May: Disney files trademark for Bin Laden killers
Disney has filed a trademark application for the term ‘Seal Team 6’, the unit of Navy SEALS which killed Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan earlier in the month. The applications were filed the day after the raid for products "including entertainment and education services, clothing, toys, games and Christmas stockings."
Computer and Video Games
18 May: The Hargreaves Report on IP is published
The Hargreaves Report commissioned by the Prime Minister last November was published today, with 10 recommendations on how the UK can update its IP law (on pags 8 and 9).
The Telegraph
06 May: G-Star sues retailer over design rights
Denim brand G-Star has accused Danish Bestseller Retail Europe of infringing the designs of several of its jeans products, as well as featuring an image of actress Gemma Arterton on one of its T-shirts to further associate itself with G-Star as Arterton is currently the face of G-Star RAW’s new campaign.
Fashion Mag
06 May: Artist beats Louis Vuitton copyright dispute
Artist Nadia Plesner has won her dispute against luxury goods brand Louis Vuitton which claimed the artist’s use of one of its distinctive handbags in a painting infringed its intellectual property causing significant damage to its brand.
The L Magazine
03 May: Tyson’s tattooist sues over infringement
The tattooist S. Victor Whitmill, who designed Mike Tyson’s facial tattoo, is suing Warner Brothers over allegations an actor in the soon-to-be-released The Hangover 2 has the same design, used without authorisation.
The Independent
25 April: Land Rover wins trademark dispute with Geely
Land Rover has won its decade-long trademark dispute with Chinese car maker Geely, with the Chinese court ruling that Geely registered the term ‘luhu’ after it had become a well known reference for Land Rover.
Global Times
22 April: Walgreens settles trademark dispute with Wegmans
US drug store chain Walgreens has settled its dispute against regional supermarket chain Wegmans, over claims Wegmans’ logos infringed its own. Wegmans has agreed to discontinue certain logos.
YNN
22 April: J Crew hit by Duquette trademark dispute
Owners of the IP rights associated with the late designer Tony Duquette are suing J Crew, alleging the fashion brand is infringing their rights by producing and marketing a ‘J Crew Duquette Factory Leopard Print’ sweater.
The Luxury Project
21 April: Ann Summers incite M&S legal action with ‘squeal deal’
Marks & Spencer is considering legal action against Anne Summers claiming its ‘values are being infringed’ after it issued an ‘S&M Squeal Deal’ promotion including lingerie, a sex toy and lubricant using similar branding to the Dine In meal deal at M&S.
The Grocer
21 April: Bratz Beats Barbie with $89m award
MGA Entertainment, owner of the Bratz doll brand, has been awarded $89m by a jury in its dispute with Mattel, owner of the Barbie doll brand, after the jury found that Mattel had misappropriated trade secrets relating to the design of the Bratz doll.
Forbes
21 April: Samsung sues Apple back
Following Apple’s patent infringement suit against Samsung alleging infringement in iPad and iPhone products, Samsung is now suing Apple claiming Apple is infringing at least five of its patents.
Cult of Mac
20 April: Michael Jackson’s estate settles trademark dispute
Michael Jackson’s estate has settled a dispute with US charity Heal the World Foundations over allegations its name infringed rights to singer’s former charity by the same name. Heal the World Foundation has agreed not to use that name or Jackson’s likeness.
NME
19 April: Apple sues Samsung for “copying” iPad and iPhone design
Apple is suing Samsung claiming its rival copied iPad and iPhone’s ‘technology, user interface and innovative style’ in its range of Galaxy smartphones and tablets.
Marketing Week
11 April: Tesco sued over Yoo brand name
German soft-drinks company Eckes-Granani is suing Tesco over allegations the retailer’s own-label brand of yoghurt, ‘Yoo’, launched in March 2011 is confusingly similar to its own brand of squash, Yo.
Marketing
06 April: Tesla sues Top Gear
Electric sports car brand Tesla is suing the makers of Top Gear for defamation and malicious falsehood, claiming the popular TV programme told lies about the Tesla during its filming. Here is Top Gear’s statement on the matter.
Wired
04 April: Lindt wins Easter bunny dispute
Lindt has won its long battle with Australian firm Hauswirth over the use of chocolate rabbits wrapped in gold foil with a bell. The Swiss court ruled that Hauswirths’s bunny could be confused with Lindt’s, marking an end to the seven year dispute.
BBC
01 April: Jay-Z sued for trademark infringement
Jay-Z is being sued by Volcom, which accuses the rapper of infringing its ‘distinctive stone mark, which resembles an inverted diamond’ in his Roc Nation logo.
Radar Online
31 March: Men at Work lose plagiarism appeal
Australia’s Federal Court has upheld the decision stating the melody from Men at Work’s 1983 hit song Down Under came from the tune ‘Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree’. This invites copyright owners Larrikin Music to submit a claim for ‘millions of dollars’ in unpaid royalties.
BBC
29 March: ECJ revives ‘Bud’ trademark dispute
The ongoing dispute over the ‘Bud’ trademark between Czech Budejovicky Budvar and brewing giant Anheuser-Busch InBev was revived today when the ECJ referred the case back down to the General Court ‘to give judgement afresh’ because its ‘judgement contains three errors of law’.
Wall Street Journal
28 March: Kinder Surprise trademark appeal fails
Kinder Surprise has failed in its attempt to convince The Court of Justice of the EU that the Timi Kinderjoghurt mark is similar to Ferrero’s Kinder Surprise trademark, upholding the General Court and Second Board of Appeal.
Managing IP
26 March: ICANN approves .xxx suffix
After 10 years of debate ICANN has approved the creation of domain names with the suffix .xxx, which is likely to attract pornographers and last year received over 110,000 reservations for .xxx domains.
Spinport News
24 March: Interflora heartened by M&S AdWords dispute
The European Court’s advocate general has given his opinion on Interflora’s attempt to prevent Marks & Spencer from using the Interflora trademark as a keyword in Google's AdWords. Interflora is heartened by the opinion which is due for a final judgement within six months.
Marketing Week
23 March: Osborne promotes IP in budget
Chancellor George Osborne announced plans to ‘improve the intellectual property regime’ in the UK to bolster the digital and creative sector by protecting it to encourage growth.
Microscope
22 March: Garmin sues over patent infringement
Garmin has filed a patent infringement suit against Bryton Inc, accusing the Taiwanese maker of cycle computers of ‘mimicking the appearance and functionality of Garmin’s Edge cycle computers’.
GPS Business News
18 March: Cumberland sausage wins PGI status
The Cumberland sausage has succeeded in its bid in having Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status granted under EU law. All Cumberland sausages must now be made in Cumbria from at least 80% meat.
BBC
17 March: All Blacks agrees haka IP rights
New Zealand has reached an agreement to ensure the All Blacks' continued use of the haka, the rights of which are owned by a Maori tribe.
BBC
16 March: Ansel Adams dispute settles
The estate of Ansel Adams has settled its copyright and trademark dispute with Rick Norsigian, who found what his valuer claimed were genuine Ansel Adams negatives. Norsigian has agreed to refrain from referencing Ansel Adams in the sale of the prints but can continue selling them with a disclaimer.
AM Law Daily
11 March: Foursquare hit by patent infringement
Foursquare, the location-based check in service, has been accused of infringing a patent owned by Mobile Commerce Framework which is demanding damages and for Foursquare to withdraw its infringing services.
TechCrunch
11 March: AP sues retailers over use of Obama image
Associated Press is suing retailers Urban Outfitters, Nordstrom and Zumiez for using the ‘Hope’ image of President Obama, of which it owns the copyright, without authorisation on their clothing.
Marketing Week
07 March: Abercrombie & Fitch sues over gull trademark
Abercrombie & Fitch claims Hollywood-based Surf Style is infringing the gull logo of its Hollister brand and is suing for damages and cessation of use.
Bizjournals
06 March: Lady Gaga threatens to sue over breast milk ice cream
Lady Gaga is threatening legal action with the makers of ‘Baby Gaga’ ice cream made of breast milk. The singer claims trademark infringement and passing off which is ‘taking unfair advantage or, and riding on the coattails of’ her trademarks and causing damage.
AFP
04 March: Ford resolves F150 trademark dispute with Ferrari
Ford has resolved its trademark dispute with Ferrari following the renaming of the F150 as the F150th Italia.
Telegraph
02 March: Innocent battles vitamin maker over trademark
Innocent Drinks is trying to prevent East Grinstead based company Innocent Vitamins from using its Innocent trademark. Innocent Vitamins have been stocked in Waitrose since January.
Marketing Week
28 February: Nescafe is first product placement after ban on British TV lifted
A Nescafe coffee machine has become the first brand to take advantage of the new legislation allowing product placement on UK TV, featuring on This Morning.
BBC
26 February: Land Rover sues Geely over trademark
Land Rover is suing Chinese car manufacturer Geely over claims Geely registered Land Rover’s Chinese name ‘Lu Hu’ as a trademark. The Chinese Trademark Appeal Board recently rejected Land Rover’s appeal to have Geely’s ‘Lu Hu’ trademark revoked.
China Car Times
25 February: Motorola sued over Xoom trademark
Motorola is being sued for trademark infringement over the launch of its new iPad rival named Xoom, which money-transfer provider Xoom.com claims infringes its trademark which it has used since 2003.
Engadget
23 February: Marc Quinn accuses fashion house of plagiarism
London artist Marc Quinn has accused fashion house Wunderkind of copying his work in its collection. Quinn is demanding it stops using his designs and also wants compensation, claiming it is damaging his ability to launch his own clothing range using those designs.
This is London
22 February: Cornish pasties awarded PGI status
After nearly a decade of trying, the Cornish Pasty Association has succeeded in the Cornish pasty being granted Protected Geographical Indication status.
The Grocer
22 February: Quantifying damages to IP from fraud
Thayne Forbes of Intangible Business takes a look from an IP perspective on the impact of fraud and counterfeits on a company's reputation and brand. He also explains how to assess and quantify damages and the benefits of doing so.
Anti-Fraud Network
18 February: Tolkien estate sues of copyright
The estate of J.R.R. Tolkien is suing author Stephen Hilliard for copyright infringement over his plans to publish a book featuring Tolkien as a character.
Hollywood Reporter
14 February: Brands to fill pension deficits
Brands, copyright, contracts and other contingent assets are part of a new trend to help reduce corporate pension deficits. Diageo, M&S, Uniq, Whitbread and J Sainsbury have all used non-cash assets and Deloitte anticipates a further £2bn of pension funding partnership transactions in the near future.
Financial News
12 February: Play-Doh wins trademark dispute
Hasbro, owner of Play-Doh, has won its dispute against 123 Nahrmittel GmgH and its distributer with the High Court ruling that the strap line ‘the edible play dough’ for its product Yummy Dough was likely to cause confusion with the Play-Doh trademark.
Independent
10 February: Ford sues Ferrari over F150 name
Ford is suing Ferrari, seeking damages and cessation of use, over allegations the Italian’s use of the F150 name on its new Formula One car – marking 150 years of Italian unification - infringes Ford’s F-150 trademark used on a US pick-up trucks.
Planet F1
08 February: Café Olympic greasy spoon ‘ordered to change name’
The owner of Café Olympic near the London Olympic site may be forced to change its name as it may be in breach of trademark rules.
Telegraph
08 February: Levis defeats Abercrombie
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that Abercrombie & Fitch’s back-pocket stitching design infringed Levi Strauss trademark design, reversing a previous judgement.
Courthouse News
02 February: St. Andrews clashes over trademark
St. Andrews Links Trust has reached a cashless settlement, forcing the St Andrews Links course in Dunedin, Florida, to change its name by April and cease all reference to the trademark.
The Courier
01 February: Can IP rights help reduce pension deficits?
IP experts explain how IP such as brands, patents, copyright and contracts, as well as tangible assets such as property and shares, can be valued and used to fill pension scheme deficits.
Pharma
31 January: Trademark battle could force Dave TV channel to change name
After a two-year battle, the EU has rejected the trademark application from the Dave TV channel following a successful opposition from Dave, the brand consultancy. Dave, the TV channel, has two months to appeal failing which it may be forced to rebrand – except on decorative magnets and stationery.
Marketing
30 January: SuperGroup fights nearly 100 copycat cases
SuperGroup, owner of the Superdry brand has nearly 100 copycat actions underway, trying to stop infringing designs and names such as Superfly or Silverdry. Last week, SuperGroup won its dispute against Rhodi which was found to have breached SuperGroup’s design rights, paying £45k in damages.
Telegraph
26 January: Tiffany sues websites for infringements
Luxury jeweller Tiffany is suing the owners of websites TiffanyMail.us, TiffanyOnSale.com, TiffanyShop.org and TiffanySilvers.org for trademark counterfeit and infringement, false designation of origin and cyber-piracy.
Jeweller Magazine
25 January: Superman trademark crashes in Switzerland
The Swiss IPO has ruled that a trademark allegedly looking similar to the Superman ‘S’ logo can stand as, in the absence of a trademark registration in Switzerland, a vague recollection by the public is insufficient.
Marques
24 January: New music rights database planned
Music publishers are combining to build a database detailing the different rights owners for songs. The Global Repertoire Database is expected to be completed in two years and result in more accurate payment of royalties.
BBC
19 January: Artist claims copyright for balloon dog
Artist Jeff Koons has claimed copyright for his balloon dog sculpture design and is suing a company that is producing bookends using a similar design.
New York Times
18 January: Target sued for $250m over trademark
Target is being sued for $250m by Canadian retailer Fairweather over allegations the US retailer’s expected launch in Canada will devalue Fairweather’s ‘Target Apparel’ trademark causing it to lose customers and control of its reputation.
Toronto News
18 January: Sony Ericsson sues over similar logo
Sony Ericsson is suing wireless broadband provider Clearwire for $150,000 in damages and legal fees over accusations its logo infringes Sony Ericsson’s.
Cnet
13 January: Catcher in the Rye sequel banned in US
A settlement has been reached between the estate of JD Salinger, author of Catcher in the Rye, and Swedish author Fredrik Colting who was trying to publish his novel as the sequel to Salinger’s. Colting is now banned from selling his book in the US and referencing Salinger or the dispute.
BBC
12 January: Microsoft fights Apple’s ‘app store’
Microsoft is challenging Apple’s attempt to register the term ‘APP STORE’ as a trademark on the grounds that it is generic.
Guardian
11 January: Facebook buys fb.com for $8.5m
Facebook has bought the domain name fb.com from the American Farm Bureau Federation. The 6 million member organisation will continue using the fb.org domain whilst Facebook is now using fb.com internally.
Reuters
10 January: Hands off Kate Middleton ‘brand’
The clothing and retail industry has been warned to avoid trying to cash in on the Kate Middleton ‘brand’ by using her name or image without authorisation as this could fall foul of trademark and copyright law.
Telegraph
10 January: Elvis Presley Enterprises sues for $5m
Elvis Presley Enterprises is suing Chrysalis Music Group for $5m over claims it owns over $5m in licensing fees relating to Elvis’ music.
Courthouse News
06 January: Paul Hogan sues Australia government
Following a five-year investigation into Paul Hogan’s tax affairs, the Crocodile Dundee star is suing the Australian government for £51m for damage to his reputation and loss of earnings.
BBC
06 January: Groupon sues Scoopon
Groupon is suing the Australian founders of Scoopon for allegedly ‘domain squatting’ with their registration of groupon.com.au, registering the company name Groupon Pty Limited and attempting to register the Groupon trademark.
The Australian
05 January: George Lucas in a copyright fight over stormtroopers
The Supreme Court is to hear the final showdown of Star Wars creator George Lucas’ Lucasfilm in its battle against British engineer Andrew Ainsworth who produced the original stormtrooper helmets and whose replica helmets Lucasfilm claims are in breach of its copyright.
The Lawyer
04 January: Rio 2016 Olympic logo accused of plagiarism
The newly unveiled logo for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games has been of copying the logo of the Telluride Foundation.
Creative Review
28 December: Cointreau wins infringement dispute
Remy Cointreau has won its infringement dispute against Spanish competitor, Porthos, claiming its trade dress was confusingly similar to Cointreau’s. The Court issued a permanent injunction, product recall and awarded damages and costs.
Marques
17 December: Lindt fails to gain trademark protection
The European Union General Court has ruled that bunnies, mice, reindeer and a small bell lack sufficient distinctiveness to qualify for trademark protection.
Bloomberg
16 December: Strictly Come Dancing brand at risk
BBC executives are threatening legal action against the licensee producer in Argentinia which has changed the show’s format to a raunchy, adults-only version, verging on pornography, potentially damaging its brand.
Metro
15 December: Vodkat to rebrand following Diageo dispute
Intercontinental Brands is to rename and repackage its Vodkat product following a settlement with Diageo after a two-year dispute in which Diageo claimed Vodkat was confusing consumers into believing it was vodka.
Marketing Week
14 December: Black Eyed Peas sued for copyright infringement
Pop group The Black Eyed Peas is being sued by funk legend George Clinton who claims the group sampled two of his tracks without authorisation and is therefore owed ‘millions’ in damages.
Guardian
13 December: EasyDate agrees to rebrand
Edinburgh-based EasyDate has agreed to rebrand as Cupid, a domain the group acquired in September, following a trademark infringement dispute with Sir Stelio Haji-Ioannou, owner of the easyGroup.
Guardian
09 December: Penelope Fitstop told to change name
Warner Bros, owners of the Wacky Races character Penelope Pitstop, has told UK fitness instructor Louise Whynte that she was infringing its intellectual property rights by using the name Penelope Fitstop. She is now called Penelope Fitstar.
Metro
08 December: UK investigates ‘sexualised’ pre-teen products
The UK is launching a review which could prevent British retailers stocking ‘sexualised’ products aimed at the pre-teen market, such as pole-dancing kits, Playboy pencil cases and padded bras.
Adage
08 December: Cypress Hill singer sues for $250m
Michael Washington, model and singer with the group Cypress Hill, is suing Grand Theft Auto makers Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive Software for $250m, claiming the lead character is based on his image and life.
Hollywood Reporter
08 December: Trademark auction makes $132k
An auction of largely dormant trademarks including Lucky Whip, Meister Brau beer and Collier’s Saturday Review, generated an estimated $132,000 with transactions ranging from $1,000 to $45,000.
New York Times
07 December: Louis Vuitten seeks counterfeit import injunction
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA has filed a US trade complaint to try and prevent Chinese imports of copycat Louis Vuitton products entering the market and damaging its brand.
Boston
02 December: Gibson Guitars sues for trademark infringement
Gibson Guitar Corp. is suing WowWee, makers of Paper Jamz cardboard guitars, alleging it is infringing Gibsons’ designs. Gibson is also suing retailers Amazon, K-Mart, Target and others for selling the allegedly infringing products.
Trademarks and Brands
02 December: Tesla Motors reaches trademark agreement
Tesla Motors has reached an agreement with Tesla Holdings after the Czech Republic based firm opposed the US motor company’s trademark application for ‘Tesla’.
Market Watch
01 December: Hershey sues Mars for infringement
Hershey Co. is suing Mars over allegations the packaging design of Mars’ Dove peanut butter chocolate bars infringes the design rights of its own Reese’s peanut butter chocolate bar.
International Business Times
29 November: Harry Potter defeats Harry Popper condoms
Warner Bros has succeeded in its trademark dispute against Magic X, the makers of HARRY POPPER branded condoms. The Swiss court ruled it relied on an association with the Harry Potter mark, diluting its distinctiveness, and awarded Warner Bros. €6k court fees and €10k compensation.
Marques
29 November: Starbucks accuses Kraft of damaging its brand
Starbucks has terminated its 12-year agreement with Kraft which prevents Kraft from continuing to sell Starbucks’ coffee. Starbucks has accused Kraft of failing to meet its marketing obligations thereby causing ‘the erosion of brand equity’.
Telegraph
29 November: Tiffany denied eBay trademark suit
The US Supreme Court has denied Tiffany’s appeal for a review of its trademark infringement lawsuit against eBay, in which it alleged, in 2004, the online retailer failed to apply sufficient measures to prevent counterfeit products being sold.
Internet Retailer
29 November: US seizes 82 counterfeit websites
US officials have seized 82 websites based in China selling counterfeit Chinese-made goods in the US, without the cooperation from the Chinese government.
CNN
25 November: “Quidditch” assault planned
Warner Bros. is gearing up to launch a range of Quidditch products, having registered the sport from Harry Potter as a trademark is classes covering lingerie, sporting goods, clothing and jewellery.
Reuters
24 November: SAP to pay record $1.3bn copyright damages
Oracle Corp. has won its software copyright infringement case against rival SAP with the US court awarding Oracle $1.3bn in damages. SAP is contesting the judgement.
Wall Street Journal
24 November: Axl Rose sues Guitar Hero for $20m
Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses is suing the makers of Guitar Hero for $20m, claiming the game used the unauthorised image of his former band mate Slash who left the band 15 years ago, thereby causing confusion and dilution of the brand.
Courthouse News
23 November: Anheuser-Busch sued for copyright infringement
United Brands, owners of the Dragon Joose malt beverage, is suing Anheuser-Busch claiming the design of its new Tilt malt beverage infringes the copyright of its own Dragon Joose design.
Techdirt
22 November: Underground Restaurant trademark disputed
Lawyers for the London Underground are objecting to the registration of the trademark ‘The Underground Restaurant’ as it ‘could be detrimental to our client’s brand’. A TfL spokesman said: “TfL's brands are iconic and valuable assets and we seek to protect them.”
Evening Standard
19 November: EasyDate in trademark dispute talks
Easydate founders have entered discussions with easyGroup founder Sir Stelio Haji-Ioannou who claims the Edinburgh-based online dating company is infringing his easy trademark.
Herald Scotland
10 November: China recognises Scotch Whisky
China has agreed the term ‘Scotch Whisky’ will be granted Geographical Indication (GI) status, meaning the term can only be applied to whisky produced in Scotland.
The Drinks Business
10 November: Google changes Groggle to Drinkle
Google has succeeded in its attempts to get Australian alcohol finding website Groggle to change its name to Drinkle, following accusations the original name infringed Google’s trademark.
TNW
09 November: Charities to pay music royalties
From January 2012, new legislation introduced on 1 January 2011 dictates that charities will have to start paying royalties for playing recorded music in public places such as shops, amounting to about £54 per year per charity shop.
Third Sector
05 November: Hello Kitty’s Cathy infringes Miffy
A Dutch court has ruled that Cathy, Hello Kitty’s rabbit sidekick, infringes the trademark for Miffy the rabbit. Sanrio, Cathy’s owners, have been ordered to stop marketing Cathy and pay £21k a day in event of non-compliance.
Guardian
03 November: Alexander McQueen recalls Hells Angels branded products
Alexander McQueen has agreed to recall all its products featuring the Hells Angels’ ‘Death’s Head’ trademark following action from the gang claiming the fashion house was infringing its trademark.
New York Daily News
02 November: Coke in restaurant trademark dispute
Coca-Cola is threatening a Portsmouth restaurant, Relentless, claiming its name and logo infringes Coke’s own trademark for its Relentless energy drink.
The Sun
29 October: Jersey cream requests PDO status
Jersey dairy farmers have launched their bid to have 'Jersey cream' awarded Protected Designated Origin status by the EU.
Telegraph
28 October: Apple faces iPad trademark challenge in China
Proview, a Taiwanese flat screen manufacturer, is claiming it owns the iPad trademark in China and is going to sue Apple.
Toronto Sun
27 October: Hells Angels trademark dispute
The Hells Angels Motorcycle Corporation is suing Alexander McQueen for trademark infringement, alleging the fashion house’s use of a ‘winged death head’ motif infringes its own mark.
Daily Mail
20 October: Marvel angered over Hulk power tools
Marvel is suing US manufacturer Airbase Industries for its use of the Hulk trademark on power tools. Marvel claims the use of the colour green is ‘confusingly similar’ and the Hulk logo is ‘nearly identical’ to Marvel’s own Hulk logo.
Hollywood Reporter
20 October: Fendi finally defeats counterfeiters
Luxury goods brand Fendi has won $10m in damages against the retailer Burlington Coat Factory for selling fake Fendi goods. The litigation dates back to 1986 and involves multiple trademark actions.
Forbes
18 October: D&G in £735m royalties tax probe
Dolce and Gabbana are being investigated for potentially avoiding paying tax in Italy by operating the brand out of Luxembourg between 2004 and 2005 paying just 3% tax on sales royalties, saving them £735m.
Metro
18 October: Shelby Cobra refused trademark for shape
Carroll Shelby International, Inc, owners of the iconic Cobra car has had its trademark application for the shape of the car’s body refused for lack of distinctiveness, the US Patent and Trademark Office ruled. Shelby was attempting to prevent the many imitation products from using his design.
Market Watch
16 October: Diana Vickers in Red Hot Chili Peppers copyright dispute
X Factor star Diana Vickers is facing legal action from the Red Hot Chili Peppers following her admission that the chorus from her new song was influenced by listening to Red Hot Chili Peppers’s song Under the Bridge.
The Sun
14 October: Ryanair defeats ihateryanair.co.uk
Budget airline Ryanair has won its dispute against ihateryanair.co.uk with the URL being awarded to Ryanair due to it taking unfair advantage of the airline’s trademark.
The Register
13 October: Interflora sues M&S over keywords
Interflora is suing Marks and Spencer in the EU over claims the retailer paid for Interflora as a Google keyword thereby infringing its trademark.
BBC
12 October: Abercrombie sues over copyright
Abercrombie & Fitch is suing clothes manufacturer Seena International Inc. and retailers including J.C. Penny over allegations its copyright and trademark are being infringed.
Biz Journal
11 October: EasyJet settles licensing dispute
EasyJet has settled its long-running licensing dispute with trademark owner Stelios Haji-Ioannou by paying Stelios millions of pounds in exchange for a ten year license allowing the airline to expand into hotels, insurance and car hire.
Financial Times
11 October: Lacoste loses trademark battle
Cheshire-based Baker Street Clothing has won its four-year trademark battle with Lacoste, with the judge ruling that Baker Street Clothings’s registration of the word alligator would not cause confusion with Lacoste’s crocodile logo.
Independent
07 October: ASDA settles £115m royalties dispute
ASDA has settled its £115m dispute with HMRC after the supermarket deducted excessive royalties paid to its US parent Wal-Mart from its tax liabilities.
Telegraph
06 October: DuPont wins Teflon trademark dispute
DuPont, owners of the Teflon trademark, has won its dispute in Russia with the court ruling that two Russian companies Domteka and its retail outlet ZAO Pilot must stop using the Teflon brand name on its products and pay damages of £23,000.
Housewareslive
06 October: Gap sues Gapnote
High street retailer Gap is suing new social networking site Gapnote over claims it infringes its trademark and is doing so deliberately, "with the intent to deceive consumers and generate interest in its own social media and networking website".
Guardian
06 October: ISO launches brand valuation standard
The ISO has launched its first standard on brand valuation, ISO 10668, requiring increased input from marketers and lawyers.
Marketing Week
04 October: Chris Aire sues 17 watch brand for trademark infringement
Jewellery designer Chris Aire, is suing 17 watch manufacturers for trademark infringement, false description, and injunctive and declaratory relief over his registered trademark ‘Red Gold’ which he claims the manufacturers are infringing.
Jewelers Circular Keystone
02 October: God vs Pancakes in trademark dispute
International House of Pancakes, a US restaurant chain, is suing International House of Prayer, provider of GodTV, for trademark infringement and dilution for using its trademarked term IHOP.
IP Brief
01 October: Battle builds over rights to Lotus name
Lotus Racing, which uses the Lotus name under license from Malaysian car manufacturer Proton’s company Group Lotus, has started High Court proceedings to confirm its rights to use the Team Lotus brand from 2011 which Group Lotus is contesting.
Norwich Evening News
29 September: Microsoft settles Bing trademark dispute
Microsoft has settled its trademark dispute with Bing Information Design LLC. Bing Information Design sued Microsoft in December 2009 claiming Microsoft was infringing its Bing name. The terms of the settlement have not been disclosed.
North West Innovation
27 September: How can law firms add value to their brands?
Thayne Forbes, joint managing director of Intangible Business, explains how law firms can leverage the value of their own brands and the IP of their clients.
Law Gazette
24 September: easyGroup sues EasyDate
easyGroup is suing EasyDate plc claiming its use of the EasyDate name infringes its trademark and amounts to passing off.
Wall Street Journal
23 September: IP disputes soar in UK
Figures released today reveal that cases involving IP increased by 37 percent since last year, doubling their overall share. Confidential information cases increased by 313%, passing off and trademark cases 20%, patents and registered designs 17% and copyright and design rights 31%.
Bloomberg
23 September: Hard Rock Cafe sues casino licensee
The Hard Rock Cafe is suing the owners of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, which operates under a license agreement, and is seeking to terminate a 14-year-old licensing agreement believing the casino’s activities are damaging the Hard Rock brand.
MSN
16 September: Seediq Bale trademark invalidated
Wei Te-sheng, director of upcoming film Seediq Bale, has had his trademark for the title invalidated by the IPO following opposition from Taiwan’s indigenous group bearing the same name about which the film is based. The film cost more than $19m to make.
Focus Taiwan
16 September: DC Comics defends Batman trademark
DC Comics, owners of the Batman bat mark logo, is suing a US restaurant which DC Comics alleges is using its bat trademark thereby causing confusion and likelihood of dilution.
Techdirt
14 September: Lego loses EU trademark case
Lego has lost its application to register the shape of its plastic bricks with studs on as a trademark. The ECJ upheld a 2008 ruling because "Undertakings may not use trademark law in order to perpetuate, indefinitely, exclusive rights relating to technical solutions." Lego claimed dilution and confusion.
Reuters
14 September: eBay beats Tiffany in counterfeit dispute
Tiffany & Co has lost its 2004 dispute against eBay, accusing the online retailer of advertising the sale of counterfeit Tiffany goods. Tiffany was unable to establish that eBay had deliberately deceived the public.
Reuters
09 September: Roland Mouret buys back his own name
French fashion designer Roland Mouret has bought back the rights to the trademark bearing his name, through a partnership with Simon Fuller, 19RM.
Vogue
07 September: Nike registers ‘Back to the Future’ patent
Nike has registered a patent for self-lacing trainers, as featured in the 1989 film Back to the Future 2.
WIPO
06 September: Blackrock to change name
Irish property company, Blackrock International Land, is to change its name to Balmoral International Land Plc following a trademark dispute with US investment management company BlackRock Inc.
Irish Times
04 September: Liverpool FC trademarks Liver Bird
Liverpool FC has been granted trademark protection for its Liver Bird logo, following initial objection from Liverpool City Council which also uses the mythical bird along with other Liverpool based organisations.
Click Liverpool
03 September: Sony loses PS3 hack ban
Sony has lost its battle to block the distribution of a hack that enables homemade games to be played on its PlayStation 3. Despite an Australia court ruling in Sony’s favour the code was released on the internet.
BBC
30 August: Ansel Adams trademark dispute revelation
The estate of photographer Ansel Adams received a turnaround in its trademark infringement dispute against Rick Norsigian, who claimed he was in possession of authentic Ansel Adams negatives valued at over $200m. The expert who previously verified the negatives declared he made a mistake.
New York Times
27 August: Facebook attempts to trademark ‘Face’
Facebook is attempting to protect its brand by trademarking the word ‘Face’.
PC World
25 August: Facebook defends ‘Book’ trademark
Facebook is suing Teachbook, a US social network for teachers, as it claims the use of the suffix ‘book’ "rides on the coattails of the fame and enormous goodwill of the Facebook trademark" and risks diluting the distinctiveness of its Facebook trademark.
Guardian
23 August: BBC sues to defend Top Gear Stig brand
The BBC is suing publisher Harper Collins which is threatening to reveal the identity of Top Gear’s Stig – the motoring show’s star driver – which the BBC claims breaches contractual and confidentiality obligations.
BBC
20 August: Madonna accused of trademark infringement
Madonna is being accused of infringing the trademark rights of US manufacturer L.A. Triumph, by using the Material Girl name for her fashion collection.
Contact Music
17 August: Best Buy threatens priest for copyright infringement
US electronics giant, Best Buy, has forced Rev. Luke Strand to remove his ‘God Squad’ logo from his VW Beetle which Best Buy claimed infringed the copyright for its ‘Geek Squad’ logo.
Fox News
17 August: Is negative brand endorsement legal?
Snooki, the US reality star who has a less then favourable image and reputation, is being sent designer clothing and accessories by these brands’ competitors in an attempt to undermine these brands image and prevent Snooki from being seen and photographed wearing their own brand.
Observer
12 August: Aviva faces trademark dispute
Aviva is facing a potential trademark dispute from an IFA who owns the trademark Your Money Matters and claims Aviva’s use of it is infringing his rights.
Financial Times
11 August: Gervais sued over Flanimals copyright
Comedian Ricky Gervais is being sued by writer and artist John Savage who claims Gervais’ best selling book, Flanimals, infringes his copyright.
BBC
10 August: Sky & Skype. Confusing?
BSkyB is claiming Skype’s trademark is confusingly similar to its own and, as Sky now offers telecoms and internet services, they now operate in the same sector adding to the confusion.
Brand Republic
09 August: Did you think vitaminwater was healthy?
Coca-Cola is being sued by the Center for Science in the Public Interest over Coca-Cola’s claims its Vitaminwater has health benefits. Coca-Cola is defending the claim by suggesting "no consumer could reasonably be misled into thinking vitaminwater was a healthy beverage."
IPKat
09 August: New copycat protection bill
A new bill has been proposed by New York senator Charles E. Schumer to try and protect by copyright the designs of fashion designers, The Innovative Design Protection and Piracy Prevention Act.
Vogue
06 August: Eagles settle copyright dispute
Don Henley, from the Eagles, has settled his dispute with US Republican Senatorial candidate Chuck DeVore, having claimed the politician infringed his copyright by creating parodies of songs written by Henley.
BBC
05 August: ASDA wins Specsavers trademark dispute
Mr Justice Mann has ruled that ASDA had no intention to copy or confuse consumers, in the trademark infringement case brought against it by Specsaver, but the supermarket must cease from using the line ‘Be a real Spec Saver at Asda’ in its marketing.
IPKat
04 August: advertising.com is generic
A US judge ruled that advertising.com is generic, thereby preventing AOL from blocking Advertise.com Inc from using it.
Reuters
02 August: NFL plays sue video game creator
A former NFL footballer is suing video game creator, Electronic Arts, on behalf of 6,000 retired NLF players, claiming their image rights were used in the game Madden NFL 09 without their permission.
cnet
29 July: Cristal defeats Cristalino
Champagne Louis Roederer, maker of Cristal, has won its trademark dispute against J. Garcia Carrion's Cristalino brand, forcing Carrion to rebrand Cristalino as 'Jaume Serra Cristalino', adding a disclaimer and changing the lettering and colours used.
Business Week
29 July: Harry Potter copyright claim "fanciful"
The High Court has been told the allegations brought by the estate of Mr Jcobs, author of The Adventures of Willy the Wizard, which claim JK Rowling infringed its copyright, have been accused of being ‘fanciful’ and ‘absurd’ by John Baldwin QC, representing Bloomsbury and Ms Rowling.
Telegraph
29 July: Anheuser-Busch InBev loses Budweiser name case
The ECJ has ruled that Anheuser-Busch InBev does not have exclusive rights to the Budweiser name, following a 14 year battle. Czech brewer Budejovicky Budvar has exclusive rights to the name in Germany and it is shared by the two groups in most other European countries.
BBC
28 July: How to increase copyright value from $45 to $200m
Painter Mr Norsigian purchased 65 photographic negatives in 2000 for $45 and now, having been authenticated as being the work of Ansel Adams (which the estate is disputing), they are worth $200m, it is claimed.
BBC
27 July: Monster claim
Owners of the Godzilla trademark claim manufacturers of the Tuffzilla dog chew toys infringe on its copyrights, by using the suffix ‘zilla’ and related descriptions associated with the Godzilla story.
Courthouse News
26 July: FTSE 100 company uses brand to fill pension deficit
A FTSE 100 company has used brand valuation specialists Intangible Business to help it price contingent assets to fill a pension funding gap.
Pensions Week
22 July: Can jokes be copyrighted?
Comedian Keith Chegwin has been attacked by fellow comedians for allegedly stealing other people’s jokes and using them on his Twitter account. But does this constitute copyright infringement?
BBC
22 July: Barbie vs Bratz decision reversed
The US appeal court has reversed Mattel’s rights to £100m of MGA’s Bratz products, ruling that “It is not equitable to transfer this billion-dollar brand, the value of which is overwhelmingly the result of MGA’s legitimate efforts, because it may have started with two misappropriated names.”
Wall Street Journal
21 July: 10-year old hit by Chaplin copyright threat
Bethany Hare, a 10-year old from Yorkshire, has been hit by a copyright infringement claim by the estate of Charlie Chaplin, following Bethany’s use of Chaplin’s song Smile in an internet video used to raise money for charity. She is being asked to pay $2,200 plus $280 every time she performs it live.
9 News
14 July: Dairy pays $270k for image right claim
Lindahals, a Swedish dairy, has paid a Greek man $270,000 for using his image on their Turkish yoghurt product for eight years without the man’s permission.
The Local
13 July: eBay sued for patent infringement
eBay is being sued for $3.8bn by XPRT Ventures over allegations the online auctioneer is infringing six patents used to develop payment systems such as PayPal.
Reuters
13 July: Fake vodka gang imprisoned
Southwark Crown Court has sentenced a gang responsible for the counterfeit production of brands such as Smirnoff and Kirov, avoiding £10m of tax, for 57 years.
Mirror
12 July: Virgin’s trademark conflict
Richard Branson’s British Virgin Group, 26 percent shareholder in Australia’s Virgin Blue airline, is objecting to the airline’s attempts to own the Virgin brand causing its delayed relaunch.
Sydney Morning Herald
12 July: Lleyton Hewitt fails to register ‘come-on’ trademark
Australian tennis star Lleyton Hewitt has failed to register his familiar ‘come-on’ cry as a trademark following its existing registration by an Australian father.
Herald Sun
10 July: Best Buy trademark threat
American electronics retailer Best Buy has been hit by a potential trademark dispute by Worldwide Sales Corporation which claims it owns the Best Buy trademark in Europe and has asked Best Buy to cease and desist using it.
Daily Mail
08 July: Disney pays $269m in unpaid royalties
Following a successful challenge by the creators of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, Disney has been ordered to pay out $269m in unpaid royalties.
Guardian
08 July: Ocado licenses IP to expand
Ocado, the online grocer, is set to expand overseas by licensing its IP rights, including its software, to overseas retailers including Carrefour.
The Independent
08 July: Portakabin loses AdWords dispute
The European Court of Justice has ruled Primakabin’s use of key word advertising using words including and similar to competitor Portakabin, such as portacabin and portokabin does not constitute trademark infringement. Click to view judgments here.
The Inquirer
06 July: Zappa trademark declared invalid
A German court has ruled that the Zappa trademark, owned by rocker Frank Zappa’s widow, is now invalid due to lack of commercial use, enabling the Zappanale festival to continue using the name.
The Register
06 July: Men At Work to pay copyright damages
Sydney’s Federal Court has ordered pop group Men at Work to pay 5 percent of royalties received from their hit song Down Under as damages, following Larrikin Music’s successful copyright infringement claim.
Telegraph
06 July: George Clooney’s reputation case
George Clooney is expected to provide evidence in an Italian court following the allegation that his name and reputation were wrongly used to promote a fashion show and clothing line.
Telegraph
05 July: Puma buys its trademark
Following arbitration, Puma is ordered to pay 98m euros to its former Spanish licensee, Estudio 200, to regain control of its Puma trademark in the region.
Fibre2fashion
02 July: Formula One removes F1 drink
Formula One has succeeded in its trademark infringement claim against Singaporean Speed Drinks Pte which has agreed to stop selling and destroy all cans of its F1 Racing Energy Drink as it infringes the F1 trademark.
Business Week
02 July: Golden Balls trademark win
Owners of the Golden Balls trademark have won the trademark infringement dispute brought against them by organisers of the Ballon D’Or, the European Footballer of The Year Award, following a ruling by the European Patent Office.
Telegraph
01 July: Diageo uses whisky to plug pension deficit
Diageo has provided 2.5m whisky barrels to act as collateral to its pension fund to tackle its £862m deficit, generating £25m a year over the term of the partnership. But if the trademarks are not included, this could significantly undermine the asset value. No mention of the brands is made.
Reuters
01 July: Village People star settles copyright dispute
Former Village People star, Victor Willis, has settled his copyright dispute with Hallmark for an undisclosed fee, following its unauthorised use of songs including Y.M.C.A. and Macho Man.
PeaceFM
29 June: Visa defeats eVisa
A US federal appeals court has ended Visa’s nine year battle to stop Joseph Orr using the term eVisa for his "multilingual education and information business," ruling eVisa diluted Visa’s trademark.
Reuters
25 June: 3D trademark validity discussed
Following Salvatore Ferragamo taking umbridge with Comptoir Lux, which was selling bags featuring a similar trademark to its own, the French first instance Court has ruled on the validity of whether a trademark is figurative or three-dimensional.
Marques
24 June: Google wins $1bn copyright lawsuit
A New York District Court judge has thrown out Viacom's $1 billion copyright infringement lawsuit against Google’s YouTube, which Viacom claimed infringed the copyright of its film and TV content.
Computer World
24 June: Kelly Brook trademarks her name
Model and TV presenter Kelly Brook has registered her name as a trademark for categories covering cosmetics, soaps, shampoo, hair dye, perfumery, jewellery, watches, clocks, handbags, purses, umbrellas and luggage.
The Sun
21 June: Jay-Z settles trademark dispute
Baseball star David Ortiz has agreed to change the name of his Forty/Forty Club following a trademark infringement dispute from rapper Jay-Z whose own nightclub is called 40/40.
Contact Music
19 June: Cornish pasty closer to PGI status
The Cornish pasty has been published in the Official Journal of the EU and if there are no objections, in six months it is likely to be awarded Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status.
The Grocer
16 June: Bavaria brand ambushes World Cup
Dutch brewer Bavaria is alleged to have infringed the Contravention of Merchandise Marks Act which prevents companies benefiting from an event without paying for advertising, by clothing 36 women in its brand’s distinctive orange colour.
Guardian
14 June: RIM and Motorola settle patent dispute
Following Motorola’s patent infringement complaint against Blackberry manufacturer Research in Motion (RIM), RIM has agreed to pay damages to Motorola and both parties have entered into a new cross-licensing agreement involving various mobile patent rights.
Telecoms
10 June: FIFA raps Hook Norton Brewery
Hook Norton Brewery has agreed to remove reference to the World Cup from its seasonal Striker Ale, previously known as ‘Brewed to celebrate the FIFA World Cup 2010’, following a resolution with a FIFA trademark official.
The Publican
07 June: Tourist fined for fake Louis Vuitton
An Austrian tourist has been fined 1,000 Euros by Italian police following what she thought was a bargain purchase of a 7 Euro Louis Vuitton purse from a beach vendor, as part of the Italian police’s crackdown on counterfeit activity.
Guardian
04 June: Ozzy Ozbourne settles ‘Black Sabbath’ trademark dispute
Ozzy Ozbourne has settled his dispute with fellow band member Tony Iommi over Iommi’s use of the ‘Black Sabbath’ trademark. Osbourne claimed Iommi illegally took sole ownership of the trademark and sued him for a 50 percent interest and share of Iommi’s past profits.
Blabbermouth
04 June: Copyright Tribunal orders PPL refunds
Phonographic Performance Ltd. (PPL) has been told the Copyright Tribunal to refund £20m of music royalties it collected from pubs, hotels and restaurants.
The Publican
27 May: Harrods warns roadside cafe over trademark infringement
Knightsbridge based luxury department store Harrods, has told Hollands Cafe Lounge (off the A12 near Rivenhall, Essex) to change its logo which is ‘extremely similar’ to the Harrods script and wrongly suggests some association.
Daily Mail
25 May: Timbaland settles copyright dispute
Hip-hop star Timbaland has settled a dispute with musician David Cortopassi who launched a copyright infringement lawsuit claiming Timabland sampled part of his track Spazz in his 2007 track Throw It On Me.
Contactmusic
24 May: L’Oreal wins ‘smell-alike’ case
The Court of Appeal has upheld an ECJ ruling in L’Oreal’s favour against companies selling perfumes which smell similar to famous brands. View ECJ judgement. View Court of Appeal judgement.
Guardian
21 May: Zoe Renault sues Renault
Renault’s plans to brand its new car Zoe are in danger of being derailed by 23 year old Parisian Zoe Renault, who says she could not stand being associated with a car for the rest of her life.
BBC
20 May: Asics sues Skechers for trademark infringement
Asics is seeking an injunction in the US to prevent the sale of certain Skechers shoes which Asics claims have stripes which are ‘confusingly similar’ to its own design. Asics is claiming unfair competition, trademark dilution and false advertising.
Reuters
20 May: Danone wins Irish 'Essensis' trademark
The Supreme Court has upheld Danone's appeal, ruling that Irish competitor Glanbia was infringing Danone’s trademark ‘Essensis’ with the introduction of the 'Yoplait Essence' product. Glanbia introduced its trademark claiming Danone’s Essensis trademark should be revoked following five years of no use.
Belfast Telegraph
19 May: Sugababes contest trademark application
Pop group the Sugababes are contesting the trademark application for the word ‘Sugababes’ made by former band member, Mutya Buena. Buena formed the band in 1998 but has since left. The current line-up has now all changed.
Contact Music
19 May: Gallo wins Barefoot trademark dispute
E. & J. Gallo Winery has won a two year battle to prevent Australian company Lion Nathan National Foods from using its Barefoot brand in Lion’s Barefoot Radler beer range. Lion will rebrand the range Bare Cove Radler.
Sydney Morning Herald
18 May: Apple to trademark store layout
Apple has filed trademarks to protect the design of its store layouts. The registrations present a trademark that "consists of distinctive design and layout of a retail store."
Patently Apple
18 May: Lego wins bestcheaplego.com domain dispute
Lego has won its case against the Thai owner of the domain bestcheaplego.com whom the court ruled had registered the domain in bad faith, intending to ‘free ride on Complainant’s reputation and goodwill for commercial gain.’
Marques
16 May: Easyjet brand in dispute
Easyjet may have to change its name following a dispute, due in the High Court next month, between the airline and its founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou over how the airline uses the ‘easy’ brand. Only a quarter of its revenues may be earned from selling products other than airline seats.
The Times
12 May: Schwan-Stabilo wins highlighter trademark dispute
Schwan-Stabilo, owners of the trademark of the iconic highlighter pens, has won its dispute against the Beifa Group, which had its application for a similar looking design previously accepted. Click to view judgement.
Marques
12 May: Chelsea retains José Mourinho trademarks
Chelsea football club still owns European trademarks to the former manager’s name (filed in 2005) and signature (filed in 2006). The registrations cover a range of lifestyle goods including fragrances, sunglasses, jewellery and clothing.
Own-it
08 May: Apple sued for ‘patent infringement’ by Nokia
Nokia is challenging Apple over use of technology in its iPad 3G and iPhone which Nokia claims infringes its patents for speech and data transmission and antenna innovations for compact devices.
BBC
05 May: Gmail to return to UK following trademark resolution
Independent International Investment Research (IRR Group) has settled its trademark dispute with Google, enabling the search engine to allow UK consumers to use a @gmail.com address.
ZDNet
29 April: Google wins ‘thumbnail’ copyright infringement claim
Germany’s Federal Court of Justice has dismissed a case against Google which alleged that Google was infringing copyright by publishing photographs in search results. The court ruled that Google “was allowed to interpret the plaintiff’s behavior as agreeing to use her works in image searches.”
Businessweek
29 April: Absolute Radio and Absolut Vodka settle
Absolute Radio and Absolute Vodka have settled their trademark dispute, in which Absolute Vodka was objecting to Absolute Radio’s use of the term Absolute on grounds of trademark infringement and passing off.
The Guardian
28 April: ‘Master Farrier’ becomes a trademark
The term 'master farrier' became a trademark this week and can now only be used by associates and fellows of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (WCF).
Horse and Hound
26 April: Ede & Ravenscroft sues for stolen client list
Tailor of distinction Ede & Ravenscroft is suing a former employee, claiming he stole information about its clients to help set up on his own. It is claiming £150,000 in damages.
This is London
22 April: BNP facing Marmite legal action
A party political broadcast from the British National Party featuring a jar of Marmite has prompted Marmite’s owner, Unilever, to threaten taking an injunction out against the party.
BBC
19 April: Costco/Swatch copyright infringement appealed
The U.S. Supreme Court is the hear Costco’s appeal against Swatch. Swatch claims Costco was unauthorized to sell its Omega branded watches in its discount outlets which Costco had purchased through the grey market, and was therefore infringing Omega’s copyright.
Reuters
16 April: Salvador Dalí heirs win royalty payments
The ECJ has upheld a French law that gives five family members of the painter Salvador Dalí the right to royalty payments from the resale in France of art he bequeathed to Spain.
Irish Times
14 April: North Face settles with South Butt
North Face, the outdoor clothing brand, has reached a settlement with school boy Jimmy Winkelmann who produced a range of clothing parodying North Face, called South Butt.
Denvor Post
13 April: Pamela Anderson sued over ‘Muse’ trademark infringement
Pamela Anderson’s clothing range, named ‘A*Muse’, allegedly infringes a 2002 registered trademark owned by US clothing brand Maggy London International, ‘Muse’. Using ‘A*Muse’ is "a disingenuous effort to disguise their infringing activities," the lawsuit charges.
New York Post
09 April: Sports Ministry objects to treading on ‘India’ trademark on wicket
The Indian Sports Ministry has written to Lalit Modi, commissioner of the Indian Premier League, requesting the removal of the ‘Building India’ tag line on the bowlers’ run-up, as treading on the word India ‘hurts public sentiment’ and shows disrespect to the name of the country.
Hindustan Times
07 April: Bacardi wins Havana Club trademark dispute
After 13 years of disputing who owns the Havana Club trademark, a US District Judge has ruled that Pernod Ricard cannot prevent Bacardi from selling Havana Club branded in the US. Pernod sells Havana Club branded rum outside the US and Bacardi within.
The Drinks Business
04 April: Maker’s Mark wins trade dress dispute
Fortune Brands’ Marker’s Mark has won its dispute with Diageo’s Cuervo. The judge ruled that Maker’s Mark’s wax seal coating is a well-known and valid trademark and Cuervo may not use it on any of its Tequila products.
Marketwatch
29 March: Nestlé wins ‘Red cup’ confusion round
The European General Court has found that a trademark of a red coffee cup in a pile of coffee beans is ‘slightly similar’ to Nestlé trademark and should proceed to the likelihood of confusion assessment.
MARQUES
23 March: Google wins Adwords trademark dispute
The European Court of Justice has ruled that Google has not infringed LVHM's trademark rights, stating, “Google has not infringed trademark law by allowing advertisers to purchase keywords corresponding to their competitors’ trademarks.” View the press release.
Marketing Week
22 March: Bridgestone sues Amberstone for trademark infringement
Bridgestone Americas is suing Commerce Max, Inc. for ‘trademark infringement, trademark dilution and unfair competition’ over its launch of the Amberstone brand which Bridgestone claims trades off its ‘stone’ suffix.
Tire Review
19 March: Lady Gaga sued for £20m
Lady Gaga, the Grammy Award-winning winning pop star, is being sued by ex business partner Rob Fusari who claims he came up with Gaga’s name, co-write a number of her songs and helped secure her record contract. Fusari is claiming for £20m. View suit 1 and suit 2.
Daily Mail
18 March: Travel agents risk Olympic copyright infringement
Travel agents have been warned they risk criminal prosecution if they fail to adhere to the strict trademark and copyright laws surrounding the London 2012 Olympics. Two ABTA members have already received official warnings, with potential fines of up to £20,000.
Travel Weekly
18 March: Marvel & Disney sued over copyright claim
Heirs to Jack Kirby, the creator of the Marvel characters and stories that Disney acquired last year for $4bn such as Spiderman and X-Men, are suing Disney to reclaim their copyright rights.
Comic Book Resources
16 March: Google’s Nexus One trademark refused
Google’s US application to register Nexus One as a trademark for use on its mobile phones has been refused, as it conflicts with an existing trademark belonging to Integra Telecom.
Cnet
14 March: Whirlpool wins patent dispute
Whirlpool has been awarded $1.78 million in damages, having won its suit against LG Electronics, whose sale of side-by-side refrigerators infringed upon Whirlpool's patent for a refrigerator in-the-door ice system.
Wall Street Journal
12 March: Burberry sues TJ Maxx over trademark infringement
Burberry is suing US discount retailer TJ Maxx (TX Maxx in the UK) for trademark infringement claiming the retailer is selling ‘counterfeit’ Burberry goods that are designed “to attract their target customer base and profit at Burberry’s expense”.
The Times
11 March: Pink Floyd wins EMI royalties battle
Pink Floyd has won its court battle against EMI, preventing the record label from selling singles from Pink Floyd’s albums individually over the internet.
FT
10 March: Lindsay Lohan sues E-Trade for $100m damages
Actress Lindsay Lohan is suing E-Trade for $100m, claiming E-Trade’s advertisement featuring the word ‘Lindsay’ damages her reputation and violates her rights by using her ‘name and characterization’ in business without paying her or getting her approval.
New York Post
10 March: Pineapple Dance Studios in trademark dispute
Covent Garden’s Pineapple Dance Studios is in conflict with Yorkshire’s Pineapple Performing Arts Theatre School, requesting the York-based school change its name, which it claims to have used since the 1980s and 1990s.
Digital Spy
09 March: Private equity snaps up Leibovitz IP
Colony Capital, the US private equity firm, has refinanced the photographer Annie Leibovitz's debt that was secured against copyright from her photography.
FT
06 March: Ferrari tells off Daimler
Ferrari, unhappy over the its Enzo supercar appearing in Smart car’s latest advert, wrote to Smart’s owner Daimler to protect its intellectual property rights requesting it cease.
MARQUES
04 March: General Court rules on 3D trademarks
The General Court has ruled that confusion does not exist between the glass bottles of Weldebräu and Kofola Holding. Weldebräu had opposed Kofola Holding’s application to trademark the shape of its bottle claiming dilution of distinctiveness and confusion. Click to view the judgement.
MARQUES
04 March: Weight Watchers risks brand with McDonald’s tie-up
Weight Watchers has formed a partnership with McDonald’s in New Zealand to promote its fast food to its member in return for the Weight Watchers logo featuring on some McDonald’s meals.
Telegraph
03 March: Former Sugababes apply to trademark brand
Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan and Siobhan Donaghy, former members of the Sugababes pop group, have applied to register the band’s name as a trademark. If successful, they could force the new line up (consisting of Heidi, Amelle and Jade) to rename themselves.
Guadian
03 March: Reebok sued over ‘Finish Strong’ trademark infringement
Reebok International is being sued by ‘Finish Strong’, a US-based company that sells inspirational merchandise with that slogan, which claims the sports brand is infringing its trademark rights with its use of the term ‘Finish Strong’ on T-shirts worn by Super Bowl winners the New Orleans Saints.
NBC Chicago
02 March: The Ivy tackles US doppelganger
Tim Power, ex-head of The Ivy’s former owner the Belgo dining group, has opened a $5m restaurant in Florida named after London’s most celebrated restaurant, The Ivy.
Guardian
26 February: Yorkshire Rhubarb granted protection
Yorkshire Rhubarb has been granted Protected Designation of Origin status by the European Commission, enjoying the same status as Champagne, Parma ham and the Melton Mowbray pork pie.
The Times
24 February: London's Cipriani restaurant loses trademark battle
The Court of Appeal has upheld a previous judgement confirming that London’s Cipriani restaurant will have to change its name after losing to Venice's Hotel Cipriani over trademarks. View the judgement here.
Business Week
22 February: Quiksilver wins Roxy trademark case
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals imposed a very broad injunction on Kymsta to narrowly restrict its activities and use of its offending “Roxywear” name in order to eliminate any consumer confusion in the marketplace and the ability of Kymsta to trade on the fame of the “Roxy” trademark.
Quiksilver
19 February: JK Rowling accused of £500m copyright infringement
JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, has been accused by the estate of children's writer Adrian Jacobs of plagiarising his 1987 book 'The Adventures of Willy the Wizard: No1 Livid Land' in 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' published in 2000, with damages estimated at £500m.
Mirror
19 February: MG trademark dispute resolved
The High Court has ruled that Nanjing Automobile Corporation owns the rights to the MG trademark and Sports and Racing Europe, which has been using the MG on its MG X POWER supercar, has been using the trademark without entitlement.
BBC
15 February: Publicans praise copyright ruling
The High Court today ruled that new copyright license fees imposed by Phonographic Performances Ltd. (PPL) were excessive. Publicans and retailers will save £5m a year and a £20m refund will be available for the excessive charges they have been paying over the past five years.
The Retail Bulletin
15 February: LVMH defeats eBay
The French court has ordered eBay to pay LVMH 200,000 Euros in damages and stop paying search engines to direct certain key words to the eBay site. The court found that eBay had damaged the brand image of Louis Vuitton.
Wall Street Journal
11 February: Red Bull beats Red Bat
Red Bull, the Austrian energy drink maker, has won its legal battle against a Swedish drinks rival, Red Bat, after a Swedish court ruled that the Red Bat logo resembled that of Red Bull’s too closely.
Foodbev
11 February: Sir Stelios’ reputation damaged by Ryaniar’s ‘Pinocchio’
Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou claims his reputation has been damaged by Ryanair’s depiction of him with an elongated nose, Pinocchio style. The easyJet founder is demanding an apology and damages, claiming the advert "caused ongoing and escalating damage to [his] reputation".
Telegraph
09 February: Google tackles Goojje
Google has asked a Chinese search engine, Goojje (www.goojje.com), to refrain from using an abridged version of its logo in an attempt to protect its intellectual property rights.
Stuck on
09 February: Woolworths continues Apple dispute
The trademark dispute brought by Apple against Woolworths in Australia continues as the retailer files for additional time to respond to Apple’s allegations of infringement.
ZDNet Australia
08 February: L’Oreal dispute over Fuel trademark continues
L’Oreal’s dispute with Indian firm VLCC over the Fuel trademark has reached the Delhi High Court. Both sides claim ownership of the men’s skincare brand.
Economic Times
05 February: Men at Work guilty of copyright plagiarism
Australian courts have ruled that Men at Work plagiarised the traditional Australian Girl Guides track ‘Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree’ in its 1983 hit, Down Under.
BBC
04 February: Naples wins EU pizza trademark
Naples has been awarded Traditional Speciality Guaranteed label by the EU, which is designed to protect Neapolitan pizzas from imitations.
BBC
03 February: Blackberry wins Motorola patent dispute
Research in Motion, owner of the Blackberry, has won a patent dispute in the High Court against Motorola, with Mr Justice Richard Arnold ruling that RIM did not infringe Motorola’s patent rights and ruled the patent invalid. Click to view the judgement.
Bloomberg
02 February: Virgin loses trademark case
Dimitri Philippou, a South African man, has succeeded in registering his slogan "You can't be a virgin all your life it's time," as a UK trademark, dispute a five lever arch file attack from Richard Branson’s Virgin Enterprises.
Guardian
27 January: McDonald’s challenges McFest
McDonald’s is challenging Chicago teenager Lauren McClusky’s application to trademark McFest, the name of the charity fundraising concert she organises for the Special Olympics.
Chicago Sun
26 January: Lego set to lose EU-wide trademark
The advocate general for the European Court of Justice today supported the decision that the shape of Lego’s products cannot be protected and registered as a trademark, as it is in the interests of the public to keep functional shapes freely available for use.
The Times
24 January: Apple continues its iPad trademark plan
Apple is trying hard to secure international trademark rights to the iPad trademark it is expected to apply on its latest Mac tablet. In the US, however, it has to deal with current owner Fujitsu.
PC World
21 January: Audi wins EU Court backing for slogan
Audi has been awarded the backing of the EU to extend its trademarked slogan Vorsprung durch Technik into other categories beyond motor vehicles, such as toys and clothes. Click to view the judgement.
Guardian
20 January: Cheshire Cat not awarded PGI status
Disney has succeeded in overturning a previous ruling from the Swiss courts over the use of ‘Cheshire Cat’ on products, on the grounds that Cheshire and Cheshire Cat were largely unknown to Swiss people.
Marques
19 January: Diageo wins Vodkat/Vodka dispute
Diageo has won its case against InterContinental Brands (ICB) with Mr Justice Arnold ruling that “’vodka’ does have a reputation giving rise to a protectable goodwill” which ICB’s Vodkat brand was infringing. Read the judgement here.
The Times
19 January: Samsung settles Rambus patent dispute
Samsung resolved its patent dispute with Rambus by agreeing to pay Rambus $200m plus $25m a quarter for the next five years for use of Rambus’ patents. Samsung will also invest $200m in Rambus stock.
Wall Street Journal
18 January: Apple counters Nokia’s patent claim
Apple has hit back at Nokia’s patent infringement accusations at Apple with its own patent infringement complaint. Apple is trying to block Nokia phones from entering the US claiming the Finnish firm is infringing 13 of its patents.
BBC
17 January: Jay-Z loses trademark battle
Hip-hop star Jay-Z has lost his long-running trademark battle against Hell’s Kitchen winner Terry Miller, claiming the name of the restaurant ‘Rockafella’ would lead to confusion with his ‘Roc-A-Fella Records’ music empire.
Start Magazine
15 January: Kodak sues Apple and RIM
Kodak is suing Apple and Research in Motion (RIM) over allegations the iPhone and BlackBerry use Kodak’s technology.
BBC
14 January: Coldplay hit by copyright infringement action
Pop group Coldplay have been accused by unknown songwriter Sammie Lee Smith of infringing his copyright. Smith alleges that Coldplay stole tracks from him including ‘Yellow’, ‘Clocks’ and ‘Trouble’.
Aceshowbiz
12 January: Google files new Street View advertising patent
Google has filed a new patent which enables advertisers to place real-time ads on old images in Google’s Street View, such as on the side of a theatre or on a billboard.
Telegraph
10 January: Trademarks in company names
The UK Intellectual Property Office has issued its first decisions on 75 cases of company names which are identical or similar to other companies and potentially infringe their trademark rights.
IPO
10 January: Google’s ‘Nexus One’ in trademark feud
The daughter of Philip K. Dick, the sci-fi writer whose book inspired the film Blade Runner, claims Google’s use of the term ‘Nexus One’ infringes her intellectual property rights as a character from the book is an android called Nexus-6 – Google’s operating system is also called Android.
International Business Times
08 January: JacketGate
The White House has written to garment maker Weatherproof, requesting it remove an ad featuring an image of President Obama in a photograph it legally has the rights to.
Wall Street Journal
07 January: Apple buys i-phone trademark in China
Apple has bought the i-phone trademark in China from its previous Chinese owners, Beijing company Hanwang Technology, for an undisclosed sum, allegedly for several million dollars.
China Daily
04 January: Sherlock Holmes copyright holder threatens to withdraw permission
Andrea Plunkett, owner of the Sherlock Holmes US copyright, has threatened to withdraw permission for a film sequel if the protagonists become gayer.
Pink News
30 December: Google looses to Groovle
An ICANN-approved arbitration body has ruled that a Canadian search engine called Groovle.com is not confusingly similar to Google and may continue to trade.
PCWorld
21 December: Microsoft sued over Bing trademark
Bing! Information Design, a small design firm from Missouri, is suing Microsoft over allegations Microsoft’s trademark Bing causes damage and confusion with its own mark Bing!
IT Pro
17 December: Star Wars’ creator loses copyright battle
The Appeal Court has ruled that Shepperton Design Studios, designer of the original Storm Trooper helmet for the Star Wars film, can continue selling replica helmets as they are not covered by UK copyright law because they were not "works of art".
Telegraph
15 December: Asda takes Sainsbury’s slogan
Asda has adopted a new slogan by adapting one of Sainsbury’s – ‘Good food costs less at Asda' - as it aims to attract Sainsbury’s middle England customers to its recently relaunched Extra Special premium lines.
The Times
15 December: North Face sues South Butt
The North Face Apparel Corp. is suing The South Butt LLC demanding the company, run by 18 year old Jimmy Winkelmann, cease trading its parody clothing products.
Mounteverest
10 December: Decision reversed so Bratz dolls to stay on shelves
A US appeals court has overturned a previous decision ordering MGA Entertainment to cease from selling its Bratz dolls, with Mattel successfully arguing that the Bratz range was conceived whilst the designer was working for it entitling Mattel to own the copyright.
BBC
10 December: Cornish Sardines awarded PGI status
Cornish Sardines – originally branded pilchards - have become the UK's 40th food name awarded protected geographical indication (PGI) status by the EU.
Guardian
10 December: Crocs sued by Columbia over trade secrets
Columbia Sportswear is suing Crocs over allegations a former employee started working for Crocs while still under contract to Columbia. Columbia is claiming $310,000 in damages as well as a halt in sales of specific footwear models and the forfeit of profits.
Examiner
10 December: Darling reduces tax on royalties
In the latest budget, Alistair Darling announced a reduction on the amount of tax liable on royalty income from 2013, from 28% to 10%.
Accountancy Age
09 December: £10 for a Skegness ‘Fisherman’ tattoo
Skegness Town Council, which owns the copyright to its famous Jolly Fisherman poster, is to charge tattoo parlours £10 every time they put its figure on people.
BBC
08 December: Hostess brand loses bid to claim domain name
Hostess, a US snack cake and confectionary brand, has lost its bid to claim a domain name ‘hostess.com’, with the judge ruling that lack of use does not constitute bad faith and that hostess is a common word.
Domain Name Wire
07 December: Destiny’s Child settles copyright dispute
Former members of Destiny’s Child, Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, have settled the copyright dispute with singer/songwriter Rickey Allen who claims the band’s song Cater 2 U was inspired by a track he wrote in the late 1990s.
Contactmusic
04 December: Dior successfully defeats D1OR
Christian Dior Couture Societe has succeeded in its petition to the Spanish Court of Appeals to cancel the mark D1OR for its obvious resemblance to its ‘Christian Dior’ trademark.
Marques
03 December: Mr Monster Munch
25 year old plumber Chris Hunt has changed his name by deed pole after his favourite brand – Monster Munch – which he eats three bags of a day. Mr Munch has not contacted the brand owner, Walkers.
Telegraph
03 December: Starbucks sues Charbucks over confusions
Starbucks is suing New Hampshire based coffee company Black Bear Micro Roastery for selling a blend called Charbucks which Starbucks claims confuses consumers and dilutes its brand equity.
Bloomberg
30 November: Orange protects trademark in South Africa
South African PR agency Orange Ink has received letters from Orange’s legal representatives insisting it stops using the Orange name immediately on grounds of trademark infringement as “confusion or deception is likely”.
BusinessDay
24 November: Bellagio sues over alleged trademark infringement
Bellagio, the Las Vegas-based hotel and casino, is suing a Canadian firm, Bellagio Limousines, accusing the Canadian firm of internet cybersquatting, trademark infringement and dilution, unfair competition and deceptive trade practices.
Las Vegas Sun
24 November: McDonald’s to trademark 'Maccy D's'
McDonald’s has applied to register the slang-brand regularly used by consumers to refer to its restaurants, ‘Maccy D’s’.
Marketing
21 November: Robbie Williams to court investors for £50m
Robbie Williams is considering inviting the city to invest £50m in rights to his future earnings to help fund his future recording career.
The Times
21 November: M&S accused of copying Cook, again
Marks & Spencer has been accused by frozen food brand Cook! of copying its brand and packaging, three years after the issue appeared to be resolved. Cook claims its customers are being confused by M&S’s The Cook Menu.
The Grocer
16 November: US court rejects challenge to Redskins trademark
A US court has rejected the petition from six Native Americans to revoke the Redskins trademark, used by the Washington American football club, claiming the term is racially offensive, as they had waited too long to make their challenge.
Guardian
13 November: Winnie the Pooh royalty battle continues
The Slesinger family’s dispute with Disney over the alleged underpayment of royalties relating to Winnie the Pooh is set to continue following recent action.
The Vancouver Sun
13 November: FIFA v Ferrero
Ferrero looks set to win its trademark battle against FIFA. FIFA claims that Ferrero’s trademark, ‘WM’ (an abbreviation for the German version of the word 'World Cup'), confuses consumers into believing Ferrero to be an official World Cup sponsor.
Lawdit
11 November: Porsche sues Crocs over trademark infringement
Porsche is suing Crocs over the footwear brand’s use of the term ‘Cayman’ on one of its sandals, claiming it infringes Porsche’s trademark for the same term, used on a range of its sports cars.
Denver Business Journal
11 November: US bans Samsung TVs over patent dispute
Sharp has succeeded in winning an injunction from the US trade panel banning rival Samsung selling its LCD panels and TVs in the US, claiming Samsung is using four patents owned by Sharp.
Korea Herald
10 November: Cristal defends Russian trademark
Champagne Louis Roederer has successfully reversed a previous order in Russia, revoking its rights to the Cristal trademark in favour of the Kristal trademark for vodka. Cristal will continue selling its Champagne in Russia.
Food Biz Daily
09 November: Number of IP disputes rise
New statistics from the High Court reveal that the number of IP disputes increased by a third last year, from 422 in 2007 to 562 in 2008.
Law Gazette
09 November: ‘Pashmina’ trademark at risk in home country
‘Pashmina’ was recently awarded international identity protecting its Nepalese origins. However, the trademark is now at risk in Nepal due to its lack of necessary laws.
Myrepublica
05 November: Pixar and Luxo settle lamp trademark dispute
Luxo, manufacturer of the iconic desk lamp used by Pixar in its logo and also sold by the animation studio, have settled their trademark dispute. Pixar has agreed to cease selling the lamps and Luxo has permitted Pixar to use continue using the lamp pictorially.
WorstPreviews
04 November: ASDA and Specsavers clash over logo
ASDA has removed its slogan 'Be a real spec saver at Asda' following a court hearing but is continuing to use a logo which Specsavers claims is similar to its own. The two are to meet again in court in April.
Brand Republic
03 November: Lego relaunches trademark battle
Lego is this week turning to the European Court of First Instance in its bid to defend its 1999 trademark for the shape of its blocks, which had previously been denied by OHIM.
Associated Press
02 November: ‘World’s worst tennis player’ loses £500K in legal fees
A libel case brought by Robert Dee, who was named the ‘World’s worst tennis player’ by a series of magazines and newspapers has accumulated £500 of costs, far dwarfing damages he received.
The Lawyer
01 November: Riverdance sued over costume copyright
The duo behind Riverdance is being sued by fashion designer Jen Kelly who claims his designs were used by Riverdance without permission.
Irish Post
01 November: Bob Marley heirs tackle IP piracy
Bob Marley’s family have hired a firm to develop and protect the IP around the Bob Marley estate, estimated to be worth about $600m a year. The family is currently only capturing about $4m.
Guardian
30 October: Similarity of ‘Aygill's’ and ‘Agile’ trademarks questioned
The Board of Appeal and Court of First Instance have differing opinions over the similarity of Redfil’s trademark applications for the ‘Agile’ marks which are being opposed by Peek & Cloppenburg with its existing ‘Aygill's’ trademark, citing likelihood of confusion.
Marques
28 October: John Deere wins dispute over trademarked colour
John Deere today won a dispute in the Court of First Instance brought against it by Italian machinery manufacturer BCS, which was trying to invalidate John Deere’s trademark registration of its green and yellow colours.
Marques
26 October: Damiler fails to establish trademark ‘link’
A UK judge has ruled that Daimler’s distinctive and famous three-pointed star logo is not infringed by a similar logo used by Chinese manufacturer Sany. This is the first High Court ruling to apply the ECJ’s L’Oreal vs Bellure opinion.
Managing IP
25 October: Man sues AXE, as unable to get girls – fact of fiction?
Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) is being sued by a 26 year-old man, accusing the company of ‘cheating’ and causing him ‘mental suffering’ as a result of his failure to attract women, dispute using Unilever’s AXE deodorant products for the past 7 years.
ADIO Magazine
22 October: NIVEA wins Chinese trademark dispute
Chinese courts have awarded 120,000 yuan damages to NIVEA owner Beiersdorf in its victory against Chinese firm OUMEINA which has been using a term similar to NIVEA in Chinese.
IPR China
22 October: Nokia sues Apple over patents
Nokia has issued proceedings against Apple, alleging the iPhone infringes 10 of its patents.
Guardian
20 October: Battle over Budweiser trademark continues
The UK Court of Appeal today referred a series of question to the ECJ regarding the long-running trademark dispute between Anheuser-Busch (maker of US Budweiser beer) and its Czech Budweiser rival, Budejovicky Budvar.
Guardian
14 October: Sex Pistols threatens ice-cream brand
The Sex Pistols, are threatening legal action against a boutique ice-cream maker, Icecreamists, for using the advertising strapline "God Save the Cream" and images of a version of the band's famous single sleeve featuring the Queen on a union flag background.
Guardian
09 October: Olympic Committee goes IP mad
The Olympic Committee is clamping down on the use of what it considers to be its trademark and copyright rights, even to the extent of trying to prevent visitors photographing the stadiums.
The Moderate Voice
08 October: Start-up beats Apple to ‘Mighty Mouse’ trademark
Man & Machine, a small computer-peripheral company, has beaten Apple to registering the trademark ‘Mighty Mouse’ for its waterproof mouse. Apple also sells a mouse under the name Might Mouse, which it will now have to change.
Wired
07 October: Kraft in trademark dispute with Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut claims Kraft’s new name for its new Vegemite snack, Vegemite Cheesybite, is infringing its trademark, Pizza Hut Cheesy Bite.
Perth News
05 October: Woolworth’s sued by Apple over logo
Woolworth’s, Australia’s largest retailer, is being sued by Apple over the design of its new logo which Apple claims infringes its own iconic apple trademark.
Telegraph
04 October: Danone settles trademark dispute with Wahaha
French food and beverage group Danone has settled a long-running dispute over the ownership of the Wahaha Chinese food and drink trademark by selling its 51% stake in its joint venture with opponent Wahaha Group.
China Daily
01 October: IPO launches easier and cheaper trademark service
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has today launched its Right Start service, designed to make trademark registration easier, faster and 15% cheaper.
IPO
01 October: Diageo settles Pimm’s dispute with Sainsbury’s
Diageo has dropped its legal claim against Sainsbury’s for the retailer’s Pitcher’s brand which Diageo claimed infringed the trademark rights of its Pimm’s brand. Sainsbury’s will continue selling Pitcher’s but with changes to its label design. Click to view label.
Brand Republic
30 September: Exclamation marks are not trademarks!
The European Court of First Instance has ruled that an exclamation mark lacks distinctiveness so can not be registered as a trademark, scuppering Joop!'s application.
BBC
30 September: Winnie the Pooh copyright win for Disney
Disney has won an 18-year copyright dispute brought against it by the Slesinger family which was claiming £1.25bn in unpaid royalties for use of the Winnie the Pooh property.
The Guardian
28 September: SFR loses trademark 'texto'
French mobile company SFR has lost the rights to its trademark ‘texto’ as a judge ruled the word has now entered common parlance, becoming a generic.
Connexion France
22 September: Google wins latest round of Adwords dispute
An advisor to the European court has given his opinion, in advance of the official ruling, that Google is not infringing trademark rights of brand owner by allowing rival firms to bid on their brand names as key words.
The Times
21 September: Google reintroduces Gmail trademark
Google has today reintroduced its Gmail logo to its email service in the UK, following the trademark dispute with Independent International Investment, which resulted in Google paying the UK-based firm £226,324 for the intellectual property rights for Gmail, back in 2005.
Financial Times
21 September: Gun makers duel over Rigby trademark
John Rigby & Co. (Gunmakers) Inc. is suing London-based newcomer John Rigby & Co. (Gunmakers) Ltd., claiming the UK company is infringing its trademark rights to the Rigby brand name on high-end guns.
Business Times
19 September: Tesco accused of copying Next's clothes
Next, the UK fashion retailer has accused Tesco of copying the designs of up to five clothing lines. Tesco denies the claim and has issued a counterclaim.
Telegraph
16 September: Weight Watchers sues Nestle
Weight Watchers International is suing Nestle, claiming the Swiss food giant is using its logo on frozen food packaging without authorisation.
Reuters
16 September: Beyonce sued by Abercrombie & Fitch over fragrance trademark
Abercrombie & Fitch is suing Beyonce Knowles over the singer’s plans to launch a fragrance under her ‘Sasha Fierce’ label, accusing the singer of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and deceptive trade practices regarding its own ‘Fierce’ fragrance line.
AM Law
14 September: IPO issues 100th patent opinion
Dyson has become the 100th user of the Intellectual Property Office’s Opinion Service for resolving patent disputes without the need for lengthy litigation. Dyson is challenging Samsung over alleged infringement of cyclonic separating apparatus. The ruling is due on 1 October.
IPO
14 September: Love threatens to sue over Kurt Cobain image
Courtney Love, widow and rights owner of Kurt Cobain, has threatened to sue Activision, the make of Guitar Hero 5, which uses an image of Kurt Cobain which Love alleges it does not have her permission for.
Brand Freak
10 September: PWC’s reputation damaged by ex-employee email?
PWC employee Gareth Jenkins was fired and sent a good-bye email to colleagues, which has since been forwarded round the round. How much damage will this do to PWC’s reputation?
Telegraph
09 September: WIPO orders domain name transfer for poker player
WIPO has ordered that domain name gushansen.com should be transferred to poker player Gus Hansen, despite Hansen not have a trademark for his name. The judge ruled that the registration was made in bad faith. Click to view WIPO’s judgement.
Reuters
08 September: Disney’s Pixar sued over lamp logo
Disney is being sued by Norwegian lamp company, Luxo, for alleged trade mark infringement. Luxo claims Disney is copying its trademark on replica lamps. Click to view on Amazon.
Digital Spy
08 September: McCurry beats McDonald’s
Fast food chain McDonald’s has lost its appeal in Malaysia against the restaurant McCurry, after the judge found that its use would not cause consumer confusion and deception.
BBC
07 September: Paris Hilton sues Hallmark over trademark infringement
Paris Hilton has sued Hallmark over its use of her image and trademarked phrase ‘That’s hot’ on a greetings card, seeking an injunction and damages of $500,000.
Fox News
07 September: Annie Leibovitz sued for £183k over copyright infringement
Celebrated US photographer Annie Leibovitz is being sued by an Italian photographer, Paolo Pizzetti, who claims Leibovitz passed off his photos of the Trevi Fountain in Rome and Piazza San Marco in Venice as her own and without permission.
Guardian
04 September: Google patents its homepage
Copyright protection wasn’t enough for Google which has been awarded a patent for the design of its homepage, deterring others from copying its minimalist look
BNET UK
27 August: Bud Light's 'Fan Cans' fall flat
Anheuser-Busch InBev's latest campaign for Bud Light, producing 'fan cans' of Bud Light in US university colleges' football colours, has produced controversy. The universities claim it encourages underage drinking, promotes drinking as an integral part of college football and infringes trademark rights
Billings Gazette
25 August: Lego blocks Spinal Tap
Spinal Tap has sucummed to Lego's legal threat and removed Lego characters from its music video.
Guardian
24 August: Daily Mail displays copycat brands
The Daily Mail highlights a number of supermarket own label, copycat brands, following Diageo’s action against Sainsbury’s on Pimm’s.
Daily Mail
21 August: Twitter fails to trademark 'Tweet'
Twitter's application to trademark the term 'Tweet' has been provisionally denied by the US patent and trademark office, as other companies had already applied to register similar marks.
Guardian
20 August: Injunction to prevent STELLANUDE launch fails
Nude Brands Limited, owner of the 'NUDE' trademark for cosmetics and perfumery, has been refused an injunction preventing Stella McCartney Limited, YSL Beaute Limited and L'Oreal (UK) launching the STELLANUDE fragrance planned for Saturday 22 August.
Telegraph
20 August: Absolut Vodka sues Absolute Radio
Pernod Richard-owned Vin&Sprit, the owner of Absolut Vodka, is issuing legal proceedings against the owners of Absolute Radio, claiming there is a risk of confusion and trademark infringement.
Swedish Wire
19 August: Sheryl Crow sells music catalogue for $10m
Sheryl Crow has sold her copyright rights to her music back catalogue and the rights to songs from her next two albums, to the asset-management arm of Commonwealth Bank of Australia for $10m.
Wall Street Journal
16 August: Diageo sues Sainsbury's over Pimm's copyright
Drinks giant Diageo is suing Sainsbury's, accusing the retailer of infringing the copyright of its Pimm's brand with the retailer's own label product Pitchers.
Daily Mail
14 August: Bono's wife sues Stella McCartney over 'Nude'
Nude Brands Limited, of which Ali Hewson, Bono's wife, is involved, has issued proceedings against Stella McCartney Limited and YSL Beaute (part of L'Oréal) over the launch of the fragrance StellaNude which Nude Skincare claims infringes its trademark.
This is London
07 August: Tolkien’s heirs fight for film royalties
Christopher and Priscilla Tolkien, children of JRR Tolkien, author of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, are suing New Line Cinema, the producer of the films, for £133m claiming they have received no royalties from the £3bn grossing films. A trial date of 10 October has been set.
Daily Mail
06 August: Twitter sued for patent infringement
US company TechRadium is suing Twitter, alleging that the latest internet phenomenon infringes its patent for ‘mass-notification’ and is seeking damages for lost profits and exemplary damages.
The Register
05 August: Gucci relatives barred from using Gucci name
A US judge has ruled that Jennifer Gucci, ex-wife of a Gucci heir, and her daughter, Gemma Gucci, may not continue to use the Gucci name on coffee, cosmetics and other goods as they had “wilfully infringed and diluted the Gucci trademarks."
Reuters
05 August: JaneFonda.com designer ‘steals’ website
When Geoff Devereux, MD of digital agency Delete London, noticed the similarity between his website www.deletelondon.com and www.janefonda.com he called to complain, resulting in Jane Fonda's people removing some offending IP from her site.
Brand Republic
31 July: Procol Harum pays out 40% royalties
Matthew Fisher, the artist behind the distinctive organ part on Procol Harum’s ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’, has won the rights to share 40% of the song’s future royalties in a ruling by the House of Lords.
The Times
27 July: Dispute over Olympic logo
Organisers of the London Olympics are threatening legal action against a Waltham Cross removal firm which uses the famous five-ring symbol as its logo, and has done for 22 years.
Hertfordshire Mercury
25 July: Whirlpool loses trademark appeal to Kenwood
The Appeal Court has dismissed Whirlpool’s allegation that Kenwood has drawn, or is likely to draw, any commercial advantage from the perceived similarity of their respective food mixer products.
Lawdit
21 July: Michael Jackson’s ‘dance’ patent
Not only was Michael Jackson the owner and creator of valuable copyright but he was also the little-known creator of a patent, protecting his gravity defying method of dancing to ‘Smooth Criminal’.
Google
18 July: National Portrait Gallery vs Wikipedia
A PhD student from Seattle is facing legal action from the National Portrait Gallery in London for downloading 3,000 high quality images of the gallery’s paintings onto Wikipedia, thereby denying the gallery royalty income from the images. Wikipedia is supporting the student, Derrick Coetzee.
Independent
17 July: Tiffany courts eBay
Oral arguments have been heard in the potential landmark case that could insist eBay does more to prevent the counterfeit trade of Tiffany and other branded goods.
Law.com
16 July: RIM settles BlackBerry dispute
Research in Motion, makers of the BlackBerry device, has agreed to pay Visto $267.5m to settle an ongoing patent dispute. In return, RIM will receive a royalty-free license of Visto’s disputed patents.
Reuters
09 July: DC Comics wins Superman case
A Los Angeles court has ruled that the estate of Superman creator, Jerome Spiegel, is not entitled to further remuneration generated by the most recent Superman film.
New York Times
08 July: Mars’ Bounty loses trademark battle
Mars has lost its bid to register the shape of its Bounty chocolate bar in Europe. The European Court of First Instance ruled that Bounty’s “rounded ends of the bar and the three arrows or chevrons on top of it, cannot be sufficiently distinguished from other shapes commonly used for chocolate bars.”
Telegraph
03 July: Chanel’s trademark use letter
Chanel, the fashion brand, has published an ad in Women's Wear Daily explaining exactly what Chanel is and how its trademark should and should not be referred to…
Gawker
03 July: Dutch brewer wins Bavaria trademark dispute
The ECJ has ruled that Dutch brewer Bavaria is entitled to continue using its ‘Bavaria’ trademark. This, despite the EU awarding PGI status in 2001 to ‘Bavaria’ or ‘Bavarian beer’, giving brewers in the southern German state exclusive rights to the term.
Financial Times
02 July: Twitter tries to trademark ‘Tweet’
Twitter is trying to trademark the term ‘Tweet’ to protect its brand. This will not effect Twitter applications such as TweetDeck, TweetMeme and Tweetie which would otherwise potentially infringe Twitters’ trademark.
PC Mag
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