UK

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed new challenges to companies and their legal advisers, including that of obtaining the necessary signatures for the execution of documents. In response, the Law Commission has issue an updated guidance note, as Laura Morrish explains.

The UK has recently released a Draft UK-EU Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement which is intended to form the basis for discussions with the EU. We outline the implications for unregistered Community design rights in the EU and supplementary unregistered design rights in the UK.

As a general rule, businesses cannot register generic terms as trademarks when they are directly related to the goods or services being offered. What does that mean for domain names, such as Booking.com?

A robust anti-counterfeiting strategy is crucial for all brands as the trade in fakes continues to grow. To mark this year's World Anti-Counterfeiting Day, we set out advice on how to get started.

A recent case examined whether a rights holder could enforce a trademark within the registration grace period, even if the right is subsequently revoked for non-use. Laura Morrish sets out the ruling and explains the importance of regular portfolio reviews to ensure valuable marks are in use.

COVID-19 has changed the ways in which trademark professionals manage routine tasks. While technology has enabled many of us to rapidly transition to working from home, obtaining necessary signatures now requires even more advance planning.

Novagraaf is very proud to be working with Gabicci, a heritage brand from the 1970s. We explain the role of IP in the revival of a beloved fashion brand.

On 29 April 2020, we brought together a team of experts to explore the risks and opportunities posed to both brands and consumers online, in general and also in the context of new threats caused by our transition to remote working.

Bankruptcies among high street chains in the UK are becoming an all too familiar sight with household names, such as Thomas Cook and Mothercare going under in 2019, and many companies anticipating financial difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, and the recession that is predicted to follow.

The full impact of COVID-19 on businesses, individuals and world economies is still unknown, but where some see challenges, others see opportunities or chances to help, as Novagraaf's Vanessa Harrow explains.

Although not impossible, seeking trademark protection for slogans in the European Union can prove difficult. What can be learned from those slogans that have achieved success?

As the coronavirus spreads, so too do related trademark applications. It’s only the latest example of how registrations follow medical and political news.