Trademarks & Domain Names

Without trust in the accuracy, coverage and strategic relevancy of the trademark rights in your intellectual property portfolio, how can you be confident in your ability to protect and enforce your valuable brand assets? As part of a comprehensive trademark audit programme, trademark analysis will help your portfolio bloom in the coming year, says guest contributor Elena Galletti, Head of Trademark Services Architecture at Questel.

From the URS to the UKDRS, there are several protocols for resolving domain name disputes, depending on the top-level domain in question. Marc-Emmanuel Mellet introduces the different procedures and explains when they apply.  

It is not uncommon for brands to rebrand to ‘refresh’ or ‘reinvent’ themselves. However, any rebranding strategy must consider the need to clear and register any new trademark that you plan to use, as Megan Taylor explains.

By blurring the line between counterfeiting and legality, the phenomenon of ‘Pingti’ is shaking up the world of high-end goods. Férielle Metekalerd explains what a Pingti is and what the quiet luxury trend means for luxury brand protection strategies.

Discover why you should run a new trademark search, from the risk of trademark conflict to the need to ensure you choose a registrable trademark before launch.

The Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) provides rights holders with the ability to challenge domain name registrations that infringe their brand and trademark rights on a specific range of generic and country-code Top-level Domains.

Find answers to frequently asked questions about domain name protection, registration, domain names and trademarks, domain name management services and how to handle domain name disputes.

In January 2025, the French Football Federation (FFF) successfully opposed an EU trademark depicting a highly stylised rooster similar to its distinctive logo. Florence Chapin examines the EUIPO rooster trademark opposition decision, the EU General Court's ruling and the implications for holders of figurative marks.

The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has recently updated its customer service standards, outlining key performance metrics to ensure efficiency and transparency in handling IP applications and disputes. However, with waiting times getting longer and longer, Mona Asgari offers advice for applicants on navigating the UKIPO trademark backlog.

The Registration Data Access Protocol (RDAP) became the official source for accessing registration data for generic Top-level Domain (gTLD) names on 28 January 2025, replacing the now obsolete WHOIS service. Marc-Emmanuel Mellet explains what this means in practice. 

The recent dispute over the Chanel N°5 trademark raises the question of whether you can register a number as a trademark in the EU. Clarisse Merdy provides some helpful guidance on numeric trademarks and figurative trademark rights.

Our latest white paper explores the strategic importance of domain names and provides practical approaches for mitigating risks and maximising value.