UK

While the entry into effect of the GDPR at the end of May might be music to the ears of privacy advocates, brand owners and trademark attorneys could be hearing a rather less pleasant tune.

It is now only 12 weeks until the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, with the hosts taking on Saudi Arabia match on 14 June. Novagraaf’s Claire Jones examines the IP implications of this headline-grabbing event.

Patents, trademarks, designs and other forms of intellectual property (IP) play a key role in the success of all modern businesses.

The final step in the UK joining the Hague Agreement for industrial designs has been completed with the UK instrument of ratification being deposited in Geneva.

Approximately 5% of all the live contested trademark cases before the UK IPO relate to ‘Gleissner’ filings, according to a recent ruling over the mark ‘Alexander’. This latest decision is good news for affected brand owners, says Novagraaf’s Claire Jones.

Finding a branded product for sale on an online platform is now commonplace, as we are in an era where e-commerce is skyrocketing. But what are the implications for brand owners? Novagraaf’s Claire Jones explains that protection of your products is crucial.

Domain names play an important role in the sales and marketing activity of any organisation, but it’s all too easy to overlook the IP implications of registering and managing online channels. We set out points to consider when seeking to align domain name registrations with trademark rights.

Although its implementation date continues to be delayed, the proposed Unitary Patent system promises a simpler and more cost-effective route to patent protection in and across the EU member states. We set out the answers to some frequently asked questions.

The research and development (R&D) process can require considerable investment in both time and money.

Some of you may have noticed that Disney’s new heroine is called Vaiana in most parts of Europe and Moana almost everywhere else. Novagraaf’s Anca Draganescu-Pinawin explains the disparity.