In sectors defined by rapid cycles and shifting consumer expectations, such as fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), IP is not just about protection, it’s about acceleration. The ability to secure, align, and commercialise IP at pace is central to how companies bring new products and services to market, and how they grow.
[White paper] Growing through IP: Accelerating product development in fast moving consumer goods
The General Court of the EU has confirmed the partial revocation of the Airbnb trademark for ‘advertising services’ (class 35), finding that a business promoting its own offerings does not constitute an ‘advertising service’ aimed at third parties – a key legal lesson for branding strategies.
Airbnb trademark ruling clarifies limits of ‘advertising services’ in class 35
The EUIPO has refused the attempt by the Piaggio Group, manufacturer of the iconic Vespa, to register a three-dimensional trademark representing the shape of a scooter. The failure of the 3D trademark registration illustrates once again the difficulty of protecting non-traditional trademarks.
Piaggio’s 3D trademark registration hits a dead end
What are geographical indications (GIs) and why do they matter? Inspired by his summer barbecue, Matteo Mariano explores some of the GIs that protect food and drinks.
The geographical indications on the table this summer
After its patent rights expired, the owners of the iconic Rubik’s Cube attempted to use trademark registrations to extend its protection. After decades of disputes, its black and white trademark and now its colour trademark have been found invalid, as Volha Parfenchyk explains.
EU General Court rules in latest Rubik’s Cube case
How distinct are the retail services of shops that offer only one brand's products (such as flagship stores) from those that sell products from multiple brands (such as department stores)? This was the question at the heart of the recent Rituals trademark class decision at the CJEU, as Sven Valstar explains.
Rituals and trademark class 35: Are retail brands no longer at risk in the EU?
The recent SKE v BB Crystal Bar trademark dispute in the UK emphasises the importance of robust and relevant evidence when seeking to establish goodwill, as Farhan Kazi explains.
A question of goodwill: SKE v BB in Crystal Bar trademark dispute
From trade tariffs to changing import regulations, geopolitical uncertainty can cause many issues for international companies. At such times of change, intellectual property offers stability and protection, as Michaël Sumer explains.
Certainty in uncertain times: Borders, trade tariffs and international IP protection
The recent dispute over the Decathlon 'Easybreath' mask offers helpful clarity about the protection provided by EU design rights, says Florence Chapin. She dives into the ruling and the key takeaways for innovators.
EU General Court offers lifeline to Decathlon in Easybreath mask design ruling
From 1 December 2025, EU producers who make traditional products from a specific region can obtain the same legal status and protection as EU producers of agricultural products, wines and spirits. Volha Parfenchyk introduces the new EU protected Geographical Indication (GI), what it covers and the process of registration.
EU Geographical Indications to cover craft and industrial products under new regime
With 24 official languages and three official alphabets, considering linguistic diversity within the EU can be a real headache when assessing the risk of trademark confusion, as Louise Péchoux discusses in the context of the recent ruling on the Schweppes May Tea trademark by the EU General Court.
Schweppes saves May Tea trademark from Cyrillic challenge
Watch the webinar recording to discover how to effectively protect your brands and consumers from online scams on social media platforms and e-commerce sites.
[Webinar] How to protect your brands on social media and e-commerce sites
