Blog Archive
- Posted by Jane Coyle on February 24, 2016 / Posted in Trade MarksA Surrey based wine company, named Giraffe & Hobbit’ have been prevented from registering their company name as a trade mark by the US company Saul Zaentz who hold ‘Hobbit’ as a trade mark in relation to the film series.A Surrey based wine company, named Giraffe & Hobbit’ have been prevented from registering their company name as a trade mark by the US company Saul Zaentz who hold ‘Hobbit’ as a trade mark in relation to the film series. Elise and Stuart Whittaker who own the wine business developed the name as a nod to their physical height differences. Mrs Whittaker, who is a qualified barrister, is optimistic that they can battle against the opposion lodged with the UK IPO. She [...]Read more
- Posted by Jane Coyle on February 24, 2016 / Posted in Trade MarksThe benefit a trade mark can give to a business can be substantial. It is therefore essential that any trade mark registered is being used to its fullest effect to ensure that marks are not being wasted.The benefit a trade mark can give to a business can be substantial. It is therefore essential that any trade mark registered is being used to its fullest effect to ensure that marks are not being wasted. A trade mark is initially registered for a period of 10 years with the prospect of renewal after this period. However, the mark is not completely safe during this time. The trade mark can be removed from the register at any point if it is believed to fall under any of the categories [...]Read more
- Posted by Jane Coyle on February 24, 2016 / Posted in Trade MarksAs of the 18th February 2016, the UK Intellectual Property Office’s Trade Mark and Designs division has been awarded the International Organisation for Standardisation Quality certificate as certification of its trade mark application process.As of the 18 th February 2016, the UK Intellectual Property Office’s Trade Mark and Designs division has been awarded the International Organisation for Standardisation Quality certificate as certification of its trade mark application process. The award covers the whole process from the payment of fees to the registration of a mark which includes the mark’s examination and any dealings with opposition. Announcing the achievement of this certificate on their website, the UK [...]Read more
- Posted by Jane Coyle on February 17, 2016 / Posted in Trade MarksWhen you register a trade mark, the protection gained is only for a set amount of time.When you register a trade mark, the protection gained is only for a set amount of time. A registered mark only has protection for 10 years. However this protection can be renewed at the end of the 10 year period, therefore having protection indefinitely. To renew your trade mark protection, you must submit an application to the UK Intellectual Property Office. The application can be made up to six months before the mark expires to the date on which the mark will be revoked from the [...]Read more
- Posted by Jane Coyle on February 17, 2016 / Posted in Trade MarksWhen submitting a trade mark application, it is extremely important to do all you can to ensure the application is a success.When submitting a trade mark application, it is extremely important to do all you can to ensure the application is a success. A reason why an application to register a trade mark would be rejected is if there was already a mark registered that is similar to the one you are proposing. To ensure this will not happen, it is highly recommended you instruct a trade mark search to be complete on your behalf. The Trademarkroom will be more than happy to assist you in completing this search. The [...]Read more
- Posted by Jane Coyle on February 17, 2016 / Posted in Trade MarksDepending on the business you are involved with, global expansion may be on your agenda.Depending on the business you are involved with, global expansion may be on your agenda. It is essential that you expand the protection of any intellectual property you have especially trade marks as it will help you to build a reputation in any country you choose to trade in. It will also prevent any third party from using your already established brand to their advantage and your detriment. If you already have a registered trade mark in the UK, there are two additional levels of [...]Read more
- Posted by Jane Coyle on February 10, 2016 / Posted in Trade MarksFollowing the publishing of a ruling made last year, furniture giant IKEA has lost a battle to register its name as a trade mark in Indonesia.Following the publishing of a ruling made last year, furniture giant IKEA has lost a battle to register its name as a trade mark in Indonesia. The country’s highest court ruled that the trade mark was owned by a local company therefore not free for registration. The Swedish retailer argued that they had registered the mark in 2010, however this was dismissed as the court stated it had been removed from registration as they had not used it for three consecutive years. Therefore [...]Read more
- Posted by Jane Coyle on February 10, 2016 / Posted in Trade MarksJudgment given by Mr Justice Arnold rendered the iconic London black cab ‘not distinctive’ enough to justify the trade marks registered.Judgment given by Mr Justice Arnold rendered the iconic London black cab ‘not distinctive’ enough to justify the trade marks registered. The marks were considered after the London Taxi Company issued proceeding of trade mark infringement and passing off of two trade marks they had registered which protected the shape of their well-recognised taxi models the TX4, the TXll and the TX1. They also owned a mark for a model of taxi previously used but no longer being manufactured [...]Read more
- Posted by Jane Coyle on February 09, 2016 / Posted in Trade MarksOpposition against German trade mark dismissed for not being similar.The German based company ‘Kicktipp’ filed an application for a Community Trade Mark to cover clothing. However, this application was opposed by the fashion company Società Italiana Calzature who stated that it was too similar to their own mark of ‘Kickers’ which was registered for clothing, footwear and headgear products. The opposition was originally upheld by both the Opposition Division at the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market and the [...]Read more
- Posted by Jane Coyle on February 09, 2016 / Posted in Trade MarksAn appeal has been lost by US TV show ‘Glee’ producers in the Court of Appeal after it was ruled they were liable for trade mark infringement.An appeal has been lost by US TV show ‘Glee’ producers in the Court of Appeal after it was ruled they were liable for trade mark infringement. They have infringed the trade marks of a London based club named the Glee Club. The trade marks in question were registered more than 10 years ago before 20 th Century Fox started to produce the American high school TV show. Comic Enterprise, the umbrella organisation that owns the Glee Club, originally argued in the High Court that [...]Read more