Published As World Intellectual Property Day approaches on 26 April, we asked our Editorial Board their thoughts on this year’s focus: ‘IP and the SDGs: Building our common future with innovation and creativity.’ Established by the United Nations in 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 global goals intended to create a better world by 2030 by addressing issues related to poverty, inequality, and climate change. The role of IP is vital in reaching these goals, with innovation and creative solutions a driving force towards a more sustainable future. Our Editorial Boa ..read more

Published Unlicensed artificial intelligence (AI) music generation has been highlighted in the news recently: the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), whose members consist of record companies, has publicly stated its intention to commence proceedings against Jammable – previously known as Voicify – in respect of Jammable’s use of sound recordings of vocal performances by music artists, uploaded by Jammable’s users and used to train its AI model, which then in turn enables users to generate ‘sound-a-like’ content. The BPI’s threat to take Jammable to ..read more

Published The USPTO recognizes that practitioners are increasingly using AI tools to prepare and prosecute patent and trademark applications. Therefore, to “cabin the risks” arising from the use of AI, on April 11, 2024, the USPTO issued guidance on the use of AI tools. Overall, while the USPTO has determined that its “existing rules protect the USPTO’s ecosystem” against the “potential perils” of misusing AI tools, the guidance “address[es] the legal and ethical considerations” that arise from the use of AI in pract ..read more

Published For over 114 years, the Chanel fashion house has produced immediately recognizable high-fashion apparel and accessories synonymous with elegance and luxury for the international market.  With prices for some of its handbags regularly exceeding the USD 5,000-10,000 range in its boutiques, Chanel has become a sought-after and in-demand brand in the secondhand luxury resale market.  As a growth sector estimated at USD 49.3 billion, the secondhand resale market has become an attractive option for purchasers who may be looking for a hard-to-find or sold-out bag, a vintage pie ..read more

Published The UK-based company, Pleese, has accused Aldi of copying its product and infringing on its intellectual property (IP) rights. The product at the center of the claim is ‘Freezecakes’ which is a scoopable frozen cheesecake in a tub made from 40% cream cheese with flavored sauces and biscuit pieces. Pleese claims that Aldi has infringed its rights by using an almost identical name, slogan, and flavors for its own product. The trademark IT’S NOT ICE CREAM is used by Pleese on the Freezecakes product, and Aldi has displayed the exact wording on the alleged infringing product. During a ..read more

Published Kelly Saliger has been elected as President of The Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (CITMA) and will make education one of her top priorities. Saliger, who is a dual-qualified Chartered Trade Mark Attorney and Solicitor, began her two-year term in the role on 16 April 2024. She was voted in by CITMA’s Council and succeeds Rachel Wilkinson-Duffy. Saliger is a Partner within the intellectual property department of the London office of international law firm CMS. She became a partner in 2023 and has been with the firm since 2008. Saliger will bring her passion for educatio ..read more

Published The Weixin Brand Protection Platform Report outlines enhancements and recent actions to strengthen its BPP Program, helping further protect intellectual property rights on Weixin.  SHENZHEN, April 17, 2024 – Tencent today released its 2023 Weixin Brand Protection Report, summarizing continued advancements in protecting intellectual property (IP) rights and safeguarding the service against illicit activity in violation of Weixin’s policies, including the advertising or offer for sale of counterfeit goods.    Weixin is a unique, multifaceted communication service ..read more

Published CWB is excited to share that its new brand identity has been launched.  CWB emerged as an unrivaled super-regional firm in 2023 following the merger of leading intellectual property specialists Cedar White Bradley, Hahn & Hahn, and PETOŠEVIĆ Group. With 29 offices, 150 practitioners, and 250 employees, CWB now services and manages the portfolios of some of the world’s leading IP owners across 100+ jurisdictions in Africa, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. Halim Shehadeh, Group CEO, shares his thoughts: To represent the new firm, we developed a new brand in ..read more

Published NEW YORK, April 15, 2024 – Brown Rudnick announced today that Michael R Graif has joined the firm’s New York office as a partner in the Intellectual Property group and the Trademark, Copyright, and Advertising practice.  Graif brings more than 30 years of trademark and IP transactional experience. He focuses his practice on trademark enforcement, licensing and technology transactions, privacy, generative artificial intelligence (AI), social media, and copyright matters.  “Michael is a highly regarded trademark strategist. His arrival significantly strengthens our IP ..read more

Published At least one piece of legislation before Congress has bipartisan support: the BIRDIE Act. The BIRDIE Act has nothing to do with birds and everything to do with golf. While BIRDIE stands for Bolstering Intellectual Rights against Digital Infringement Enhancement, the Act aims to extend copyright protection to golf courses. The bill, HR 7228, was introduced on February 5, 2024. Currently, the Copyright Act does not cover the design of golf courses. However, the BIRDIE Act seeks to amend this by broadening the definition of “architectural works” within the Copyright Act to include:&n ..read more