Stay informed with our comprehensive roundup of the past month’s headlines, all neatly compiled for you in one convenient post. Catch up on the latest news reported by the Kluwer IP Reporter.
Canada introduces project on Registrar-initiated non-use trademark proceedings
The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) has recently initiated a pilot project to proactively issue Section 45 Notices against randomly selected trademark registrations.
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Cyprus joins Blockchain for IP management
On 10 December 2024, the Department of Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property (DRCIP) of Cyprus joined the blockchain network for managing trademarks and designs, with support from the European Union Intellectual Property Office.
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GCEU upholds partial invalidity of PREDATOR trademark in favor of Acer
On 20 November 2024, the General Court of the European Union (GCEU) affirmed the decision in case T-1163/23 of the Board of Appeal of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and declared the Polish company Domator24’s PREDATOR trademark partially invalid due to a likelihood of confusion with Acer Inc.’s earlier identical trademark covering different classes of goods.
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GCEU rules no likelihood of confusion between CHIPSY KINGS and Curry King
On 11 December 2024, the General Court of the European Union (GCEU) affirmed the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) Board of Appeal’s decision in Case T-157/24, rejecting a German company’s opposition to the registration of the CHIPSY KINGS trademark, concluding that no likelihood of confusion existed between the marks.
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French IP office launches interactive GI website
On 6 December 2024, the French National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) introduced a new website dedicated to geographical indications (GIs), showcasing local artisanal and industrial expertise.
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Hong Kong updates trademark guidelines on absolute grounds for refusal
On 2 January 2025, the Trade Marks Registry of Hong Kong updated the chapter on “Absolute grounds for refusal” in its Work Manual.
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Indian court grants Monster Energy interim injunction in trademark dispute
On 22 November 2024, the Delhi Commercial Court issued an interim injunction in favor of Monster Energy Company in its trademark infringement case against Shree Parvati Fitness Hub Private Limited, barring the latter from using “Monster” trademarks and branding for food and protein supplements due to the likelihood of consumer confusion.
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LEGO wins its trademark dispute with Leo Foods in India
In LEGO Juris A/S v. Gurumukh Singh & Others (Trading as LEO FOODS), the Madras High Court in India has recently ruled in favour of Lego, a Danish toy manufacturer, in its trademark dispute with Leo Foods, an Indian-based confectionery company, ordering the removal of the impugned trademarks, “Lego Cuteheart” and “Lego Coffybond,” used by Leo Foods, from the trademark registry.
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Madrid Protocol fees revised for Bulgaria
In accordance with the provisions of the Common Regulations under the Madrid Agreement and Protocol concerning the International Registration of Marks, the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization announced on 19 December 2024 the revised individual fees payable when Bulgaria is designated in an international application or in an application for renewal of an international registration or is a subject of a subsequent designation.
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Madrid Protocol fees revised for Ireland
Pursuant to the provisions of the Common Regulations under the Madrid Agreement and Protocol concerning the International Registration of Marks, the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization on 19 December 2024 notified the modified individual fees payable when Ireland is designated in an international application or in an application for renewal of an international registration or is a subject of a subsequent designation.
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Madrid Protocol fees revised for Italy
Based on the provisions of the Common Regulations under the Madrid Agreement and Protocol concerning the International Registration of Marks, the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization announced on 19 December 2024 the revised individual fees payable when Italy is designated in an international application, in a subsequent designation, or for the renewal of an international registration.
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Madrid Protocol fees revised for Moldova
In accordance with the provisions of the Common Regulations under the Madrid Agreement and Protocol concerning the International Registration of Marks, the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) announced on 19 December 2024 the revised individual fees payable when the Republic of Moldova is designated in an international application or in an application for renewal of an international registration or is a subject of a subsequent designation.
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Mexico introduces mandatory trademark use declaration
On 20 December 2024, the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) notified the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) of the new requirement of submitting a declaration of actual and effective use for international trademark registrations designating Mexico under the Madrid Protocol concerning the International Registration of Marks.
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Romania upgrades back office to version 3.0
On 9 December 2024, the Romanian State Office for Inventions and Trademarks (OSIM) upgraded its back office system to version 3.0 with support from the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) under the European Cooperation Projects (ECPs)
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Sanaa Unleashes Business Potential: Trademark Office Eliminates Goods and Services Cap
On January 14, 2025, the Trademark Office in Sanaa, Yemen, announced the removal of previous restrictions limiting the number of goods and services that could be registered to a maximum of ten. This change is aimed at facilitating business operations and enhancing economic activity within the region.
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