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Louis Vuitton and Unauthorized Refurbishment: Trademark Infringement Case
A recent ruling in the Patent Court of Korea has reinforced the critical role of trademark protection in the luxury goods market, particularly regarding unauthorized product alterations. The court ruled that a bag repairer must pay 15 million won ($10,745) in damages to Louis Vuitton Malletier for refurbishing Louis Vuitton bags without authorization and for…
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Toe-to-Toe: Chanel’s Iconic Shoe Design Safeguarded following the Paris Court of Appeal’s Ruling Against Jonak
On October 16, 2024, the Paris Court of Appeal issued a ruling in favor of Chanel in its legal dispute against the renowned women’s shoe company Jonak concerning parasitism. For context, Chanel has been commercializing and distributing a tan slingback shoe model with a black tip for several decades now. Consequently, when Jonak commenced the…
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Assos Sues ASOS Over Trademark Dispute in UK Court
Swiss cycling brand Assos has filed a lawsuit against ASOS in the English High Court, with ASOS, Asos.com, and Asos France named defendants. The lawsuit, filed last Friday, follows a history of legal disputes between the two companies. The grounds for the current lawsuit are not yet clear. Assos, previously owned by the Maier family,…
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Is the Market Too Small for Perfumes Compared to Sneakers? Why Perfumers Deserve Recognition
Is the market too small for perfumes compared to sneakers? It is time to recognize perfumers as the artists they truly are, creators whose rights deserve protection. While sneakers attract widespread admiration, perfumes hold similar potential for artistry and emotional impact. Collectors and enthusiasts pay hundreds of dollars for both rare sneakers and exclusive scents,…
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Burberry, Manolo Blahnik, and Moncler: Trademark Cases Reflecting China’s Improving Legal System
China has long been a challenging territory for trademark enforcement, especially for foreign brands. However, cases involving Burberry, Manolo Blahnik, and Moncler have significantly influenced the country’s trademark protection framework. These cases illustrate the strengths and the ongoing limitations of China’s trademark system, particularly the ‘first-to-file’ principle. While foreign brands are now better able to…
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Manolo Blahnik’s 20-Year Battle: Reclaiming a Brand in China
Manolo Blahnik, the renowned luxury shoe brand, endured a lengthy and challenging battle over its trademark in China. After more than two decades, the company finally secured the rights to its name in 2022. This case sheds light on China’s “first to file” trademark system, which gives priority to the party that registers a trademark…
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Our Legacy Secures Investment from LVMH Luxury Ventures to Support Expansion
Our Legacy, the Swedish brand known for its understated style, has entered a new phase with an investment from LVMH Luxury Ventures. The backing from LVMH gives Our Legacy a financial and reputational boost while allowing it to stay true to its original vision. Founded in 2005, the brand has built a strong following with…
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How Bottega Veneta’s Weave Design Became a Trademark
On September 30, 2013, Bottega Veneta, the esteemed Italian luxury brand, achieved a legal victory when the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted trademark protection for its distinctive ‘intrecciato’ weave design. This pattern, now synonymous with the brand, has become a recognizable source identifier on its own, even without the need for a logo. The…
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The Evolving Industry of Perfume: Copyright, AI, and the Future of Perfumes
Perfume is deeply connected to human experience, often triggering emotions and memories. Scents like ylang-ylang and oud can lift our spirits or transport us to distant places. Yet, despite their profound effects, perfumes remain largely unprotected by copyright law. Advances in technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), may soon change this, creating new opportunities and challenges…