Author: Rachael
How Much Is Your Brand’s Reputation Worth?
When we talk about your brand reputation, we’re referring to your intellectual property, specifically its value. That’s why ‘how much is your brand’s reputation worth?’ is a question worth asking. Hopefully, it makes you stop and think about what you could lose if something when wrong. You might think your brand is untouchable; it’s your […]
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What Is The Company Names Tribunal?
The Company Names Tribunal (CNT) deals with: “Complaints about cases where a company name is registered for the primary purpose of preventing someone else with legitimate interest from registering it or demanding payment from them to release it.” (Source: gov.uk) Established on 1 October 2008, brand owners can now protect their trade marks from the registration […]
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Cactus of Peace: A Potted Plant or a Potty Decision?
Dr Stephen James writes again for Ward Trade Marks. Stephen is a past president of CITMA, and a leading practitioner with almost 40 years’ experience in UK and EU trade mark law. This time he reviews CJEU and General Court judgements on the CACTUS OF PEACE case which raises a prickly issue in more ways than […]
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How Do I Decide Which Classes To Register My Trade Mark In?
Deciding on which classes to register your trade mark in is not as easy as you might think. The current Trade Marks Act came into force on 31st October 1994. Since then, applicants have been able to file an application covering more than one class of goods/services. Commonly known as ‘multi-class applications’, they are a useful […]
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What’s The Difference Between TM and ®?
Registered and unregistered trade marks are represented by different symbols. But do you know whether you should be using TM or ®? An interesting question and one that you need to know the answer to if you are looking to protect the intellectual property rights of your company. Intellectual property (IP) refers to the valuable […]
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How To File An Opposition Against A Trade Mark
Before we tackle the big question of how to file an opposition against a trade mark, let’s look at why you would want to. In an earlier blog, we looked at what you should do if you receive a TM7A Notice of Threatened Opposition. But what if the boot was on the other foot? What […]
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What Should You Do If You Receive A TM7A Notice of Threatened Opposition?
A TM7A Notice of Threatened Opposition sounds scary, but the worst thing you can do if you get one is panic. This article tells you a bit more about TM7As, the process behind them, and what you can do if you receive one. Once a trade mark has been accepted by the Intellectual Property Office […]
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How To Avoid Trade Mark Genericide
No, we haven’t made that up – trade mark genericide is real. It happens when a brand’s trade mark is used in the wrong way. Over time, its value dwindles, as it is no longer seen as the distinctive trade mark it once was. Examples are SELLOTAPE, HOOVER, and PORTAKABIN. Before we go into trade […]
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Beware Of The Chinese Domain Name Scams
Why should a trade mark attorney be telling you about the Chinese Domain Name Scam? Well, your domain name is a vital part of your company’s brand. It identifies and promotes your business through all digital mediums and is, therefore, one of your most valuable intellectual property assets. How does the Chinese Domain Name Scam […]
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Intellectual Property Issues Facing Charities
Intellectual property (IP) matters aren’t always the primary concern of charities. That’s not a criticism; it’s just the way it is. Charities are organisations set up to help society in some way. Usually run by people from non-executive backgrounds, brand protection is not always entrenched in their thinking. However, for companies, it’s part of the […]
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