PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
TRADE MARKS
Brand names and logos may be some of the most valuable assets that a company owns. Consumers recognise these as signs of high-quality or excellent reputation and therefore protection against others using the same or a similar trade mark is crucial. At Schlich, we assist our clients in obtaining trade mark protection for their names and logos and using their registered trade marks to safeguard their goodwill which has resulted from considerable investments. From pre-filing searches to maintenance and enforcement, we are here for all your trade mark needs.
In an ever-increasingly international world, global trade mark protection is becoming more and more important. At Schlich, our attorneys have experience in obtaining and enforcing trade mark registrations not only in the UK, but also Internationally including Europe, the US and China. In particular, our attorneys are highly competent at proceedings before the UK Intellectual Property Office and also work closely with trade mark attorneys in other jurisdictions to resolve international trade mark disputes.
Recent Insights
Read the latest insights from the Schlich team reporting recent cases and updates to trade mark law.
What’s next for Halloumi Producers after their High Court Grilling?
The Foundation for the Protection of the Traditional Cheese of Cyprus named Halloumi, recently lost their latest Appeal in the High Court. What are their next steps for protecting their rights?
A not so rosy decision for L’Oréal
In a recent judgement, the Board of Appeal of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) dealt with a trade mark dispute between well-known cosmetics manufacturer L'Oréal and Chinese rival Guangzhou Ya Ti Ao Jia Cosmetics Co., Ltd ‘Guangzhou’ regarding L'Oréal’s figurative rose mark associated with the Lancôme brand.
Directors Off the Hook: Supreme Court Rules No Personal Liability in Lifestyle Equities CV v Ahmed
Does the recent UK Supreme Court provide company directors with a ‘Get out of jail free card’ for personal liability?
German Court Confirms That Two Means Two and Three Means Three – A Stripy Dispute Between Adidas and Nike
In this case, the Higher Regional Court of Düsseldorf decided that Adidas could not enforce its registered trade mark for trousers having three stripes along their side against Nike’s trousers having only two stripes along their side. This case highlights the limits of protection conferred by figurative trade marks, particularly those involving relatively simple patterns.
What’s in a name? – SCOTUS Confirms Names cannot be Registered as Trade Marks
This ruling upheld the decision that trade mark registrations cannot be the name of a living person without their permission, and that this revocation is not unconstitutional. However, the Justices could not unanimously agree on why this ruling has been upheld. In 2018, an application to register the mark “TRUMP TOO SMALL” was filed in […]
Court of Appeal uphold majority of Tesco vs Lidl Appeal
The Court of Appeal upheld the decision in relation to passing off and trade mark infringement but did make some comments on the trial judge’s “surprising” findings of fact.
Aldi Strikes Again
Aldi’s product designers and trade mark attorneys continue to be successful in finding the right balance between gaining inspiration from branded products and copying said branded products in an effort to gain more sales based on the brand’s reputation in the market.
Are faces distinctive? EUIPO says maybe, but not as much as Donald Trump’s hair!
Logos, company or product names come to mind when it comes to the term “trade mark”. Unbeknownst to the general public, trade mark registrations can also be obtained to protect a shape or colour. In fact, some have even attempted to register a mark for smells, sounds or even, human faces. This begs the question, is it possible to trade mark a person’s face? A recent decision from the EUIPO Board of Appeal (BoA) sheds a glimmer of hope for those up for a challenge.
Get in touch
Our team of UK and European Patent Attorneys and Chartered Trade Mark Attorneys are highly knowledgeable and experienced in assisting clients with all aspects of their IP needs.
Contact us now to find out more about how we could help you and your business.
