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SUPREME Trademark Dispute: ‘Supredog’ Mark Cancelled by EUIPO
On 11 June 2025, the European Union Intellectual Property Office cancelled the word mark ‘Supredog’ following an invalidity application by Chapter 4 Corp., the company behind SUPREME. The Cancellation Division found that the contested mark was too closely aligned with the earlier SUPREME figurative mark and that its continued use would unfairly benefit from the…
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Luxury Counterfeits in China: Legal Action and Consumer Demand
Luxury counterfeits in China continue to present serious challenges for global brands, even as trademark enforcement becomes more structured. Although legal protections have strengthened, consumer demand for imitation goods remains high, shaped by cultural familiarity, affordability, and the pursuit of social status. Addressing this issue requires more than litigation. It calls for a closer examination…
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Tiffany & Co. vs. Costco: The $21 Million Dispute That Ended Quietly
The resolved case between Tiffany & Co. and Costco Wholesale Corporation offers important insights into the complexities of trademark law and brand protection. This lengthy dispute, spanning eight years, concluded with a settlement and dismissal with prejudice, preventing Tiffany from pursuing similar claims against Costco in the future. Although the terms of the settlement remain…
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BMW Protects Its Distinctive Identity: ‘BMV’ Application Refused
On 19 May 2025, the EUIPO’s Fifth Board of Appeal confirmed the refusal of the trade mark application for ‘BMV’, filed by Victron Energy B.V. for battery monitors in Class 9. The Board upheld BMW’s opposition under Article 8(5) EUTMR. While the goods are not identical, the Board found that the similarity between the signs,…
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Prada’s Opposition to ‘JIU JIU’ Fails: A Lesson in Local Trademark Protection
On 31 March 2025, the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) rendered a surprising decision by dismissing an opposition by Prada Group to the ‘JIU JIU’ trademark registration owned by Taiwanese company Dijia Co., Ltd. The trademark ‘JIU JIU’, designated for skincare and cosmetics products in Class 3 goods, was challenged by Merchant Pride Co., Ltd…
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Pattern Trademarks in Fashion: Proving Distinctiveness Beyond Design
In fashion, a strong design is a valuable asset. But beyond aesthetics, the real test lies in whether that design can hold up in court. Pattern trademarks are intended to protect specific design configurations that help a brand stand out, but securing protection is often a complex and uncertain process. While Bottega Veneta succeeded in…
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Patek Philippe Opposition Fails: EUIPO Finds No Likelihood of Confusion
On 11 April 2025, the EUIPO Opposition Division rejected an opposition brought by Patek Philippe against a figurative trade mark featuring two stylised letters ‘PP’. The Swiss luxury watchmaker alleged a likelihood of confusion with its own figurative ‘PP’ shield marks. However, the Office concluded that the visual differences between the signs were sufficient to…
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Decanting the Details: Chianti Trademark Case
On April 16, 2025, a significant ruling was issued by the Second Board of Appeal, concerning a dispute between the Consorzio Vino Chianti and the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico. This case is notable not only for its implications within the wine industry but also for the broader context of trademark law as it pertains to…
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Dr. Martens v. Shein: Dr. Martens returns to court in a post-settlement trademark dispute
On 2 May 2025, the United States District Court for the Northern District of California issued an order in Airwair International Ltd v. Zoetop Business Co. Ltd allowing key claims to proceed in a trademark dispute involving the Dr. Martens brand and Shein. The decision follows Airwair’s allegations that Zoetop, Shein’s parent company, breached a…