Monday 4 January
This week we published the Winter 2021 edition of WTR, revealing the most active filers at the USPTO, the impact of Brexit on EU and UK registrations, how trademark practice has been affected by the covid-19 pandemic, and much more. Read more
We counted down the top 25 WTR stories of 2020. Although covid-19 featured prominently, the pandemic did not dominate, with pieces relating to the Black Lives Matter movement, the Sussex Royal brand and new online threats generating widespread community interest. Read more
While efforts to develop a global access system for WHOIS data continue, developments in the United States and the European Union suggested that governments are willing to require more of registries and registrars. Read more
The CEO of the UK Intellectual Property Office provided WTR with an operational update following the United Kingdom’s separation from the European Union on 31 December, although one legal expert claimed that the free trade agreement “seems to kick the can down the road on GIs”. Read more
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Tuesday 5 January
Tuesday’s news round-up saw a series of Lego infringement sentences upheld, The Mandalorian topping 2020’s most pirated TV list, over 200,000 counterfeit surgical-grade face masks seized, and much more. Read more
We outlined a number of developments to have taken place at IP offices around the world over the New Year break as a result of the ongoing pandemic. Read more
Submissions to the USPTO on the possible application of contributory and/or vicarious trademark infringement liability to e-commerce platforms revealed a clear division between the positions of e-commerce companies and rights holders. Read more
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Wednesday 6 January
We took a closer look at the newly established committee aiming to tackle spurious trademark applications at the USPTO without burdening domestic filers. Read more
WTR sat down with Deborah Hampton to discuss her journey and the state of diversity in the industry after she made history by being elected the first African American officer at INTA. Read more
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Thursday 7 January
We uncovered the most active law firms in the US trademark litigation space as federal district court filings slump to the lowest level in at least 12 years. Read more
With the eyes of the world on Pfizer and its covid-19 vaccine, WTR heard from experts on what the pros and cons might be for undergoing a rebrand at such a pivotal moment. Read more
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Friday 8 January
Friday’s news digest covered the completion of LVMH’s Tiffany acquisition, a blow for Amazon over the AWS mark in China, E & J Gallo Winery acquiring over 30 brands from Constellation, and much more. Read more
As nations begin the roll-out of covid-19 vaccines, we examined the risk of bad actors cashing in on the unprecedented demand through dark web marketplaces. Read more
Exclusive analysis of early trademark data revealed 2020 to be a record year despite the covid-19 pandemic, with filing figures growing significantly in the second half of the year. Read more
We caught up with Pascal Faure, CEO of the French National Institute of Industrial Property, to see how the office engaged the public in IP matters in 2020. Read more
Following Wednesday’s attack on the US Capitol, WTR spoke to the owner of the PROUD BOYS registration (and former member of the group), who explained how the rights have been used to stop unauthorised merchandise – while legal experts suggest how the mark could be cancelled. Read more
Plus:
Saturday 9 January
We revealed the email that USPTO director Andrei Iancu sent to office staff on the day the US Capitol was stormed. Read more
