General

Trademarks are forever

Trademarks are forever

Most intellectual property rights, like patents, designs and copyright are temporally limited. Trademarks, however, can exist without any time limitations. In fact, many of today's famous trademarks have been registered already more than a hundred years ago. These...

7 things US companies should know about EU trademarks

7 things US companies should know about EU trademarks

Trademark substance and processes are very similar in every country. The basics don't change very much. However, there are many differences between the systems that applicant's should know. Here are seven important and practical things a US company should know about...

Cancelled BIG MAC trademark – where’s the beef?

Cancelled BIG MAC trademark – where’s the beef?

EUIPO's cancellation division decided last week that McDonald's EU trademark was revoked due to non-use. According to trademark law, if a registered trademark is not used for five years, it can be cancelled for non-use. The reason for this rule is to make sure...

What is an “international trademark”

What is an “international trademark”

The basic concept ​The basic concept is relatively simple. A trademark applicant submits a request for international registration of his trademark to World Intetellectual Property Organization, known as WIPO. WIPO will then forward that single application to all those...

4 common objections to filing a trademark application

4 common objections to filing a trademark application

Many companies think that registering a trademark is not important. Here are four reasons we hear the most. Reason 1 - We’re too small and it’s too early. Many companies think that trademarks are relevant when the brand is already big and valuable, or that since they...