Blog Archive
- Posted by Jane Coyle on February 23, 2018 / Posted in Trade MarkseasyGroup, the UK parent company of easyJet, has not had it plan sailing this week.easyGroup, the UK parent company of easyJet, has not had it plan sailing this week. easyGroup filed an opposition against a UK trade mark, arguing that it was confusingly similar to their ‘easy’ marks. The mark in question was filed by French textiles company Porcher Industries, who have sought to protect ‘Easysail’ in classes 22, 24 and 35 which includes sails, technical fabric and retail services for the sail of boats. The opposition filed by easyGroup was based on [...]Read more
- Posted by Jane Coyle on February 23, 2018 / Posted in Trade MarksAs one of the world’s biggest franchises, there are a number of individuals and businesses trying to monopolise on the huge success of Star Wars.As one of the world’s biggest franchises, there are a number of individuals and businesses trying to monopolise on the huge success of Star Wars. Many of these businesses are successfully blocked but the latest is putting up a bit of a fight. The Star Wars franchise was created by George Lucas who is the founder of Lucasfilm. They are TV and film production company behind the whole franchise. Lucasfilm, who are now owned by Disney, filed a claim against Ren Ventures at the end of last [...]Read more
- Posted by Jane Coyle on February 23, 2018 / Posted in Trade MarksIn most cases, clients ask for their work to be copyrighted, but generally the most suitable option for a company is, in actuality, a trade mark.Clients occasionally seek legal advice concerning intellectual property (IP), specifically, trade marks (TM) and copyright, to provide businesses or individuals with protection. In most cases, clients ask for their work to be copyrighted, but generally the most suitable option for a company is, in actuality, a trade mark. Many would ask what the difference between these two terms are. The main difference is that trade mark protection needs to be registered, whereas copyright protection is [...]Read more
- Posted by Jane Coyle on February 16, 2018 / Posted in Trade MarksHere, at The Trademarkroom, we get asked many questions about applications and what happens after filing.Here, at The Trademarkroom, we get asked many questions about applications and what happens after filing. It may just seem to be one big waiting game but once an application is filed, it will go through a number of stages that are as important as each other. Stage one: Filing The first stage is quite self-explanatory and that is the official filing of the application. It is important all details on the application are correctly as there is very limited scope for an application to be amended [...]Read more
- Posted by Jane Coyle on February 16, 2018 / Posted in Trade MarksWhat to focus on and what to avoid when protecting your brand with a registered trade mark.It is important you know what is required and what should be avoided when looking to protect your brand. DO make your mark distinctive. A trade mark should be a clear representative of your business therefore it is essential that it is unique to you. This will also allow you to attract customers over and above your competitors. DO NOT copy another brand. While it may be tempting to give yourself a foot up on the ladder by using the attraction and recognition of another brand, this is [...]Read more
- Posted by Jane Coyle on February 15, 2018 / Posted in Trade MarksFord Motor Company made an attempt to oppose a UK application which suffered a flat tyre curtesy of the UK Intellectual Property Office.Ford Motor Company made an attempt to oppose a UK application which suffered a flat tyre curtesy of the UK Intellectual Property Office. The matter centred around a UK trade mark application for ‘Lynk&Co’ which was filed in class 12 for vehicles and class 37 for motor vehicle maintenance in May 2016. The application was filed by Geely who are a Chinese automotive company. Ford filed an opposition against the application on the grounds that the mark in question was phonetically [...]Read more
- Posted by Jane Coyle on February 09, 2018 / Posted in Trade MarksThere are a number of stages a brand goes through before it is registered as a trade mark.Stage 1: Development The first stage of registering a trade mark, may be obvious, but it is to actually develop your trade mark. This may seem a straightforward step but it can take a substantial amount of time and effort to ensure you are happy with the branding you have chosen and that will be attached to your business for years to come. It must be unique and allow customers to identify you over competitors. You may already have a business name or logo which you want to be protected but you [...]Read more
- Posted by Jane Coyle on February 08, 2018 / Posted in Trade MarksConor McGregor may be a successful Mixed Martial Arts fighter but he is not on a winning streak with a number of trade mark applications.Conor McGregor may be a successful Mixed Martial Arts fighter but he is not on a winning streak with a number of trade mark applications. McGregor has filed a number of applications across Europe and the US in a bid to gain control over a number of different words and phrases. The issues started at the beginning of 2017, where the fighter filed to protect ‘Conor McGregor’ and ‘The Notorious’ in January. The ‘Conor McGregor’ mark has been opposed by Dutch [...]Read more
- Posted by Jane Coyle on February 07, 2018 / Posted in Trade MarksA quick guide to trade marksWhat is a Trade mark? A trade mark is a sign., symbol or a word which helps people tell one product away from another. Why should you register a trade mark? Well if you register your trademark then no one will be able to use your brand name or any similar. This will prevent any unnecessary conflict or confusion. This also allows you to build a safe reputation knowing no one can impose on that. Many people will try to damage a reputation or make the public believe that they are the [...]Read more