News - McDaniels IP Solicitors | Intellectual Property Lawyers Newcastle

Ed Facing the Music

Back in September 2022, we reported on the allegations of copyright infringement faced Ed Sheeran. Sheeran stands accused by the heirs of Marvin Gaye of copying the late singer’s song “Let’s Get It On” with his 2014 single “Thinking Out Loud”. The claim was originally filed in 2017 and has finally appeared at Manhattan Federal […]

China moves away from requiring legalisation of foreign documents

China has taken steps to withdraw from the Apostille Convention, which numerous countries are signed up to and which sets out requirements for the legalisation of foreign documents relating to legal issues in China. In particular the requirements for legalisation of documents in China and other countries for trade mark applications and trade mark proceedings […]

The Trial and Monetisation of Wagatha Christie

Last October we reported on the infamous Wagatha Christie Saga between WAG’s Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy. In the latest news, Vardy has made an application at the UK Intellectual Property Office to trade mark the phrase “WAGATHA CHRISTIE”. Back in July, Vardy sued Rooney for defamation following Rooney’s social media post claiming Vardy was […]

A Crafty Approach

Marks & Spencer has found itself in yet another dispute over intellectual property, this time with The Craft Beer Co. Marks & Spencer have been selling a T-shirt featuring the words “Craft Beer Co.” in a font which looks strikingly similar to that used by The Craft Beer Co. This is enough to amount to […]

Director Niall featured on BBC Radio 5 Live

McDaniels Law Director, Niall Head-Rapson, was invited to speak on the Wake Up to Money programme on BBC Radio 5 Live on Thursday, 20th April 2023, to give his expert opinion on recent high-profile trade mark and copyright infringement cases that have made the headlines. Niall was asked to provide his professional opinion on Rebekah […]

Every Lidl helps

Back in February we reported on a High Court battle between supermarket giants Tesco and Lidl over Tesco’s use of a yellow circle logo on a blue background to advertise its Clubcard prices. Lidl argue that use amounts to trade mark infringement, passing off and copyright infringement. The trial took place back in February and […]

Is artificial intelligence taking over the music industry?

Developments in artificial intelligence (“AI”) has rapidly increased over the past few years, notably with the introduction of ChatGPT, which is a AI chatbot that allows you to have human-like conversations and much more. Most recently, AI companies have been using music tracks and their data to produce copycat versions of popular songs. This means, […]

Louboutin kicking competitors to the curb

Christian Louboutin has succeeded in recent proceedings against a Brazilian footwear company in the Appellate Court of Sao Paulo for infringement of intellectual property rights. Louboutin issued proceedings against the Brazilian company based on trade dress and copyright infringement over its use of the Louboutin famous red sole. Louboutin do not have registered rights in […]

What would you do?

Last month we reported on the legal battle brewing between the two of the Isley Brothers over the “Isley Brothers” trade mark. Rudolph Isley issued proceedings against his brother and ex band mate, Ronald Isley over the registered trade mark. The brothers are now thought to be negotiating settlement terms and progress of the same […]

That is not F*cking Awesome

The EU Intellectual Property Office (“EUIPO”) has refused to protect F*cking Awesome as a trade mark on the grounds it lacks distinctiveness. FA World Entertainment own three registered trade marks in the United States for the mark F*CKING AWESOME, those marks were filed between 2017 and 2020. An international trade mark designating in the EU […]

Coachella settle "Coachillin" dispute

The Coachella Festival has settled its trade mark dispute with various companies over their use of the brand name “Coachillin”. Last year, Coachella organisers, Goldenvoice, issued proceedings against numerous companies trading under the name “Coachillin” on the grounds of trade mark infringement. This isn’t the first time Goldenvoice have taken measures to protect its intellectual […]

All fire blazing

John Lewis has successfully defended a copyright infringement claim against its 2019 Christmas advert in the UK High Court. The advert in question features ‘Edgar’, a friendly dragon who has difficultly controlling his fire-breathing capabilities. A spin-off children’s book ‘Excitable Edgar’ was subsequently commissioned by John Lewis following the advertisements success. Fay Evans issued the […]

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