Sunday Recap of Trademark and Brand Protection Developments
Welcome to your Sunday update on the key trademark and brand protection events from this week. From important court rulings to AI policy changes, here’s what legal professionals need to know.
This Week’s Must-Read
Florida Resident Seeks ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ Mark to Counter “Hate Merch” (1 August)
A Florida resident has applied to register the trademark ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ in Class 28. The move aims to block merchandise promoting a controversial US immigration detention center, reflecting how trademarks can be used as tools against problematic branding.
In-House Perspectives
AI and IP: What Companies Need to Know to Avoid Legal Landmines (31 July)
Businesses must act now to audit and document their intellectual property strategies related to AI. Waiting too long could expose companies to legal gaps that may become costly liabilities.
From the Courts
From Vine to Verdict: The International GI Battle Over PISCO (30 July)
A Delhi High Court judgment has brought closure to an almost 20-year dispute between Peru and Chile over the geographical indication (GI) for PISCO. This case highlights the complexities of international GI enforcement and trademark rights.
Tata’s Fast-Track Domain Block Opens Door to Quicker Enforcement in India (28 July)
A new Delhi High Court injunction allows rights holders to swiftly and independently block a wider range of infringing domain names. This development accelerates brand protection efforts in India’s digital space.
Landmark Singapore Decision Clarifies Upcycling Is Counterfeiting (30 July)
The Singapore High Court awarded Louis Vuitton $155,700, confirming that upcycling counterfeit goods amounts to trademark infringement. The court also emphasized that statutory damages need not be calculated with “mathematical precision.”
‘Cheat Software’ Is Not Copyright Infringing, but Ad Blockers May Be, German Court Rules (31 July)
The German Federal Court of Justice ruled that cheat software does not infringe copyright, while ad blockers might. These decisions carry significant implications for software providers and brand owners in the digital environment.
Brand Protection Intelligence
Two Years of Milei: How Argentina’s Trademark System Is Handling Cuts and Reforms (2 August)
Two attorneys discuss the impact of Javier Milei's administration on Argentina’s trademark system. Budget cuts and reforms have posed challenges to trademark protection enforcement.
Why Brand Professionals Can’t Ignore the “Rapidly Changing” Field of Copyright (30 July 2025)
Leaders from INTA’s Copyright Committee highlight their growing membership and the challenges posed by AI advocacy. The evolving copyright landscape demands close attention from brand professionals.
Government & Policy
AI Policy Watch: Need-to-Know Updates from July 2025 (31 July)
This monthly update cuts through the noise to identify AI policy changes most relevant for IP professionals.
WIPO DG Nominations Open; KIPO Shortens Opposition Period; Spain Filings Rise (30 July)
Recent developments include a bilateral meeting between Greece and Hungary, Finland’s new fee for incorrect trademark details, and updated procedures at various IP offices.
Academic Research
New Study Reveals Stark Differences in How Online Platforms Handle Takedowns (29 July)
A recent study examined takedown procedures across online platforms, exposing fragmented and often burdensome systems that brand owners must manage.
Case Law & Legal Updates
- CNIPA finds Glaxo Group’s DERMOVATE mark is not deceptive (China)
- General Court assesses EU consumers’ perception of Chinese characters and criteria for bad faith (European Union)
- General Court rules wavy rectangle is not a Haribo Goldbear and lacks distinctiveness (European Union)
- Geographical trademarks face challenges in the European Union
- Target Brands loses target device mark in appeal to General Court (European Union)
- Parking company fails to prove bad faith in UDRP complaint for parked domain name (International)
- JPO rules YES NO CHAMPAGNE registrable for wines with PDO ‘Champagne’, even if owned by a Japanese company (Japan)
- Court of Appeal upholds criminal conviction for infringement of Flamagas’ trademarks (Spain)
- Filing a trademark to circumvent a contractual arrangement constitutes bad faith? (Uganda)
- WISE dispute highlights risks of rebranding (United Kingdom)
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