Never Too Late: If you missed the IPKat last week!

Wrapping up another year filled with IP, here is what you might have missed from last week!

Book Review

dreaming of a purr-fect new year full of IP

Jocelyn Bosse reviewed the book “Research Handbook on the History of Trademark Law,” edited by Lionel Bently (University of Cambridge) and Robert G. Bone (University of Texas). This new book provides insights into various methods for conducting historical research on trade mark law and is divided into three parts.

Trade marks

Marcel Pemsel reviewed a recent decision of the General Court concerning Art. 102(1) EUTMR, that is: the “Correction of errors and manifest oversights” in the context of a dispute concerning French trade mark ‘SOHO’. This mark has been registered since 1987 for ‘spirits, liqueurs and notably cocktails and cocktail bases’ in Class 33. Former GuestKat Nedim Malovic (ASSA ABLOY) looked into a recent decision of the EUIPO Cancellation Division regarding a trade mark registration for ‘TESLA’ in Europe. The EUIPO’s decision is based on bad faith and highlights the Office’s firm stance against trade mark trolling, also underscoring the importance of genuine intent and commercial rationale when registering a trade mark.

Plant Varieties

Jocelyn Bosse reviewed the legal developments and future expectations concerning plant variety rights. Our Kat also provided updates on several developments around the world, including in Armenia, India, Canada, and Aotearoa/New Zealand.