It has been confirmed by the EU General Court that Ralph Lauren’s word mark ‘Polo’ has enhanced distinctiveness as the result of an opposition that was first filed three years ago by the brand. In 2014, Gidon Anabi Blanga (“Mr Blanga”) filed an application with the EUIPO to register the word mark ‘Hpc Polo’ in…
Christian Louboutin, the French fashion designer and man behind the Louboutin shoe, has been victorious in a recent court battle concerning the famous red sole that characterises this shoe. The red sole of the Louboutin shoe has become symbolic of the Louboutin brand. The shoes are loved the world over, despite their premium price tag,…
The UK Supreme Court (“UKSC”) has given judgment in a significant appeal concerning who should bear the costs of implementation of injunctions to block access to websites participating in the sale of goods infringing trade marks. At first instance Mr Justice Arnold required the internet service provider (“ISP”) to bear the cost of implementing the…
Last year Velcro released a music video (here) urging people to use the correct name for ‘hook and loop’ fastening systems. It has now followed that up with another video, sung by its lawyers. If you aren’t easily offended by threats to lawyers or barely beeped swearing, you can find it here. The video is…
Whirlpool is suing an alleged counterfeiter over goods that is says infringe one of its patents and are sold under its trademarks. Whirlpool alleges that Pricebreak is using trademarks on “counterfeit refrigerator water filters” in competition with Whirlpool’s own products. The allegation is that Pricebreak is selling filters that infringe on Whirlpool’s patent for “Fluidic…
STX Productions, the company producing the upcoming film Happytime Murders, is facing a lawsuit from Sesame Workshop, the creators of the famous children’s TV show Sesame Street. Sesame Workshop have complained that the marketing campaign for the new movie infringes its ‘Sesame Street’ trade mark and harms their goodwill. Happytime Murders is a film featuring…
Hasbro, the American multinational toy maker, has successfully trade marked the scent of one of their most popular products, Play- Doh. In February 2017, the company filed its application to trade mark the smell of its dough like modelling clay that has been loved by children the world over since its creation in 1956. One…
Jessica Alba’s ethical household products business, The Honest Company, has failed to prevent the registration of the mark “Honestly Hope” by the cosmetics brand of the same name. Honestly Hope applied to register the mark for cosmetics and medical oils. The Honest Company sells a range of household goods including cosmetics and shaving products, all…
Circuit Judge Jacqueline Nguyen delivered a contradictory verdict for Adidas in their case against Sketchers at the US District Court for the District of Oregon, Portland Division. The Court gave Adidas both victory and defeat in the final outcome. The two footwear companies began their dispute in 2015 when Adidas filed a complaint against Sketchers…
Burberry has filed a claim against US retail giant Target for infringement of its famous ‘check’ trademarks. Although the claim was only filed last week, the dispute dates back to 2017 when Target launched various ranges of sunglasses, water flasks, luggage and (most importantly) scarves in check patterns. Burberry considered these items to be infringing…
