Trade Marks

Match Group, LLC v MuzMatch Ltd [2023] EWCA Civ 454

The Court of Appeal has upheld Match Group’s (the “Claimants”) action for trade mark infringement and passing off against MuzMatch (the “Defendants”) in relation to the use of the word…

Naming Your Brand After A Celebrity

It’s not uncommon for entrepreneurs to consider leveraging the fame of a celebrity or historical figure to boost their brand’s appeal. But before you slap a famous name on your…

Trade Marks and E-commerce: Protecting Your Brand Online

In today’s increasingly digital marketplace, e-commerce has become a vital channel for businesses to reach customers and drive sales. With the rise of online retail, protecting a brand’s identity and…

Lookalike Competition: Thatchers Cider Company Limited v Aldi Stores Limited

  Aldi is certainly not afraid to test the boundaries of trade mark infringement and make an enemy of well-loved brands. Such is the story in a recent case between…

Trade Mark Opposition – TM7A and Beyond

Once you have filed your trade mark application, and it has been examined and published by the examiner at the UKIPO, it will be published in the trade marks journal…

What does a trademark protect?

As specialist IP lawyers we get asked two main questions in terms a trademarks: 1. What is a trademark? 2. What does a trademark protect? A trade mark is a…

How to use a trade mark

You filed the application, waited patiently through the opposition period, then waited a little longer for the registration certificate (which is now framed on the office wall) but now what…how…

Understanding the Use Requirement for Maintaining a Trade Mark Registration in the UK

In today’s competitive business environment, establishing a strong market presence is crucial for success. For businesses, their trade mark serves as a symbol of their brand’s identity, and obtaining a…

How do trade mark classes work?

The scope of protection offered by trade marks is, by design, limited. The idea being that it should be possible for identical marks to co-exist on the same register providing…

Trade Mark Appeals to the Appointed Person

The Appointed Person is, as the name would suggest, a person appointed by the Ministry of Justice to hear and determine (in a trade mark context) appeals from the UK…

Can I use someone else’s trade mark?

A trade mark owner has a legal right to prevent you from using their registered mark without their permission. However, while that is the ‘default rule’, there are many circumstances…

Mickey Mouse and Disney Trade Marks

I’m friends with a couple who are OBSESSED with Disney. They’ve seen all the movies. They know all the songs. They’ve been on multiple trips to multiple Disneylands in multiple…

Can Santa Claus get a trade mark?

It’s that time of year again. We are all navigating the wet Christmas markets and shoulder barging our way through department stores/ clicking “proceed to basket” via various online marketplaces…

Don’t make a Pyg’s Ear Out Of It – The Importance of Standing Up for Your Established Business and Brand

A legal dispute is unfolding between two seemingly similar restaurant brands — ‘Little Pig’ and ‘Little Pyg’. The owner of Little Pig, Michael Martin, has taken the matter to court,…

Trade Mark Infringement: How to Protect Your Brand

In today’s competitive business landscape, protecting your brand is essential for maintaining its value and reputation. Trade mark infringement poses a significant threat to a brand’s identity and can undermine…

Porsche’s Roaring Ambition: Trade marking the Sound of Performance

Introduction In the world of automotive engineering, Porsche has long been synonymous with cutting-edge technology, luxurious design, and, of course, the unmistakable roar of their engines. Recently, the iconic car…

Trade Mark Renewal and Maintenance: What You Should Know

If you don’t renew your trade mark rights before the registration expires, you could lose your trade mark. Even worse, a competitor could swoop in and snap up your mark.…

Should I Register A Trade Mark Myself?

For those who don’t like reading, I’ll give you the answer now: No, you should not try registering a trade mark by yourself. However, you would expect me to say…

Can you trade mark a heart?

The Board of Appeal of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (the Board) has refused to recognise as valid a trade mark for the 3D shape of a bread roll…

Twitter’s rebrand to X reinforces the importance of trade mark protection

It would come as no surprise to you to hear that Twitter, the social networking site purchased by Elon Musk, has rebranded and moved away from its famous ‘blue bird’…

How To Protect Your Business From Trade Mark Infringement

In today’s competitive business environment, establishing a strong brand is vital for success. Beyond setting you apart from competitors, a well-established brand fosters customer trust and loyalty. However, the prevalence…

The 5 Most Common Mistakes When Filing A UK Trade Mark Application

Protecting your business identity and establishing brand recognition in the UK starts with filing a trade mark application. However, the process can be complex and filled with potential pitfalls. In…

Elton John trade marks his own name

Elton John hasn’t just been busy with Glastonbury recently, he has also been applying for a trade mark behind the scenes for his iconic name. His decision underscores the increasing…

Hermès takes action against NFTs

Hermès recently secured a significant trade mark victory in the United States, which serves as a reminder of the importance of trade mark protection for businesses worldwide. Although the case…