Firstly, may I congratulate you on starting to read this article. Brexit has been an inescapable news item for the last 2 years and we’re reaching somewhat of a crescendo in the coverage. However in spite of all this, you have still decided to take time out of your busy day to find out what’s…
DetailsThe Girl Scouts of America are suing the Boy Scouts of America, Arguing that the Boys’ recent rebranding (from Boys Scouts to Scouts) has caused consumer confusion, mistaken enrolment and misinformation about a merger between the two organisations. The two groups have coexisted peacefully for a long time, but problems arose when the “core gender…
DetailsThe Chinese toys and games market is reportedly worth over $31 billion and so it comes as no surprise that a number of local firms have sought to capitalise on the reputation of some of their more established Western counterparts. There exists something of a stereotype in these situations (and some would say deservedly so)…
DetailsThe European Court of Justice has ruled against Red Bull in its fight to invalidate the trade mark “FLÜGEL” ( meaning ‘wings) owned by Austrian drinks company Asolo. Asolo have had their mark since the late 1990’s in class 32 for drinks and fruit juice and in class 33 for alcoholic drinks (except beer). However…
DetailsWe have written in our blog previously about how to go about dealing with individuals or businesses who use your trade marks without permission, but what of businesses that parody your brand? This is a tricky one to deal with and it’s something that can really niggle brands particularly if the person doing the parodying…
DetailsThe long awaited judgment of the European Court of Justice published yesterday confirms that there is no protectable copyright in the taste of cheese. This is not unexpected as the publication of the Advocate General’s opinion in July which precedes all court judgments did not think that taste could be protected by copyright either. Back…
DetailsWe are often asked to advise on cease and desists letter received from brand owners. As discussed in our blog, Cease and Desist: Maybe if you ask me nicely of 8 November, cease and desist letters can come in all shapes and sizes. However for those not accustomed to receiving these letters, most have the…
DetailsThe do’s and don’ts of cease and desist and how to avoid a PR disaster. We have written in this blog about the use of cease and desist letters to prevent others infringing on your intellectual property – Cease and Desist Letters – what are they for and how can they help?. There is no doubt…
DetailsAs we hopefully inch closer to a Brexit withdrawal deal a new argument has kicked off about legal advice and the access that cabinet ministers should have to it. It has caused me to reflect because as solicitors we seek Counsel’s opinion on matters which are particularly knotty to ensure that we make good decisions…
DetailsAre British fashion consumers today able and used to distinguishing between labels with similar names? That is a question that is important to all brands as they grapple with the prospects of more labels and brands on the market some of which will be more similar to their own brand than they are entirely happy…
DetailsWe get over 100 calls to the office every month from folk looking for help with their business and sorting out their intellectual property rights. The Briffa team is ready to help and we make a point of investing time in getting under the skin of whatever idea or business you are working on to…
DetailsBy the end of the 18th century, the Cornish pasty had established itself as the staple diet of working men across Cornwall. This pre-Tupperware quick fix for lunch was enjoyed by tin miners and farm workers as it was easily transported and agreeably filling. Towards the end of the 19th century the words ‘I’ll just…
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