Insights

“Black Friday” Trademark Controversy: Can A Shopping Phenomenon Be Owned?

Since 2016, the term “Black Friday” has been registered as a trademark in Germany, granting exclusive rights to a single company, Super Union Holdings Ltd. of Hong Kong, for its use in advertising. This registration […]

Lessons Learned From Recent Case Law On Bad Faith Trademark Filings In Bosnia And Herzegovina

Introduction: Addressing Bad Faith Trademark Applications Unlike many neighboring countries, the Trademark Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina explicitly addresses bad faith trademark applications as both relative grounds for refusal and as a basis for contesting a trademark through […]

Changing Practices At The Croatian SIPO: A Noteworthy Trademark Decision

The Croatian State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) has recently demonstrated a possible evolution in its approach to trademark assessments. In a significant decision, SIPO reconsidered and ultimately reversed a provisional refusal of the trademark “SAFEGUARD […]

Trademark Triumph: Landmark Profit Surrender Ruling In Serbia

Serbia’s 2020 Trademark Law introduced a novel provision to local law: the trademark holders have been explicitly empowered to claim profit surrender in cases where the infringement was not intentional or grossly negligent. Specifically, the […]

Understanding The Exhaustion Of Trademark Rights In The Western Balkans: A Detailed Overview

The concept of exhaustion of trademark rights is a nuanced aspect of intellectual property law that might seem counterintuitive to those unfamiliar with the field. This article explores this concept, focusing on how it is […]

Fake News About Fake Jerseys: Counterfeit Dilemma At The UEFA Euro 2024

As the UEFA Football Championship is now underway, football fans across Europe are buzzing with excitement. This sporting event is not just a celebration of top-tier talent and national pride but also a time when […]

How Are Political Parties (Ab)Using Intellectual Property?

In the realm of modern politics, where every move is meticulously calculated and every tactic scrutinized, the strategic employment of intellectual property (IP) has emerged as a potent tool for political parties. From catchy slogans […]

Decoding The Sweet Distinctiveness Of Gummy Bears: A Breakdown Of The Latest EUIPO Decision

Taking a Closer Look at Rules set by EUTMR According to Article 4 of the EUTMR, an EU trademark may consist of any signs, especially words, including personal names, or of drawings, letters, numerals, colours, […]

Does ‘Happily Ever After’ Really Exist In Copyright?

Childhood memories of the world’s most famous fairy tales are filled with fantastic and magical characters of dragons, elves, witches, fairies, and others. Through generations, fairy tales were told and retold, until finally these classic […]

Navigating Intellectual Property Concerns: A Concise Guide For Startups

Crafting and nurturing a startup demands an intricate blend of creativity, determination, and an astute grasp of the unique challenges woven into its specific ecosystem. This encompassing care for a startup spans a gamut of […]