Trademarks – IP Law Watch

Changes In the Service of Documents Regarding Non-Use Cancellation Against International Registrations

Jul 20 2026

On 5 June 2026, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) issued a notice for the service of documents related to “non-use cancellation” proceedings. In line with the notice, CNIPA will no longer send documents relating to non-use cancellations to the registrant of a trade mark by ordinary mail. Instead, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) will forward an electronic copy of these documents to the registrants through its electronic system.

The “Showgirl” Showdown: What the Taylor Swift Lawsuit Reveals About Creative Expression, Trademarks, and Commercial Identity

Jun 22 2026

Taylor Swift has long been a household name, but in recent years she has become a commercial powerhouse. It is this commercial power that landed her in hot water with the release of her album ‘The Life of a Showgirl’.

High Court “Zips” Up Honest Concurrent Use

May 18 2026

In a decision with major implications for brand strategy, the High Court of Australia has upheld a high bar for traders to adopt a brand name “honestly”.

Fame Isn’t Everything: Australian Designer Trumps Popstar After Long-Running KATY/KATIE PERRY Trade Mark Dispute

Mar 19 2026

The High Court of Australia has handed down its highly anticipated decision in Taylor v Killer Queen LLC [2026] HCA 5 in a narrow 3-2 majority, ending a decade-long trade mark battle between American pop star Katy Perry (born Katheryn Hudson) and Australian fashion designer Katie Taylor (born Katie Perry).

US Design Patents and ITC Enforcement: Are Design Patents the Most Interesting Intellectual Property Asset in ITC Investigations?

Mar 07 2026

A recent final determination in Investigation No. 337-TA-1400 issued by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) may have some clients saying, “I don’t always seek ITC enforcement. But when I do, I prefer to include a design patent.” GoPro, Inc. had alleged that Arashi Vision, Inc. d/b/a Insta360 (Insta 360) infringed claims of five different utility patents and one design patent.

Oh My Word(le), New York Times Succeeds in Invalidating UK WORDLE Trade Mark Without a UK Trade Mark of Its Own

Feb 24 2026

A significant risk that brands fear is that others may file their trade mark first in a new market, as most trade mark systems operate under a ‘first to file’ approach. Brands can therefore be comforted by the UK Intellectual Property Office’s (UKIPO) invalidation of a third party’s trade mark despite there being no earlier registered mark in the UK.

Reputation (High Court’s Version): Bed Bath ‘N’ Table v Global Retail Brands Australia

Jan 20 2026

The High Court of Australia has allowed Bed Bath ‘N’ Table Pty Ltd’s (BBNT) appeal from the decision of the Full Federal Court in its case against Global Retail Brands Australia Pty Ltd (GRBA).¹

The key takeaway for businesses is that a finding against trade mark infringement does not prevent liability under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

Australia’s Trade Mark System Further Simplified: Recent Amendments to Regulations

Dec 10 2025

The Trade Marks Amendment (International Registrations, Hearings and Oppositions) Regulations 2025 passed on 18 November 2025 introduces several amendments designed to streamline the Australian trade mark system, reduce unnecessary complexity, and to ensure current standards align with the international Madrid Protocol system.

Life After Skykick: UKIPO Issued New Guidelines

Aug 06 2025

Following the Sky v. SkyKick judgement, issued in December 2024, the UKIPO has now issued a practice note providing applicants with guidance on drafting and filing trade mark applications in the UK. Sky v SkyKick highlighted that filing an application for unduly broad specifications of goods and services with no genuine intention to use the mark can constitute bad faith and applicants are now provided with the tools to avoid the most common pitfalls.

Brand Guardians: Effective Strategies Against Cyber Counterfeiting: Part 2

Jul 16 2025

Our first article in this series highlighted the financial and reputational damage counterfeiting causes to brand owners and the significant societal consequences associated with the reproduction, sale and dissemination of counterfeit products around the globe. We looked at how having strong Intellectual Property (IP) protection, selling through social or e-commerce platforms that have rigorous seller verification processes and educating consumers, retail and social platforms about the difference between genuine and counterfeit products, are all fundamental strategies which can be effective in the fight against online counterfeiting. Supplementing these steps with strategic enforcement action and IP protection measures are equally important.

Category:Trademarks