Blog & News

Series Finale for Series Marks

Series trade marks have been around for some time in the UK. However, the UK Government, as part of the UK Intellectual Property Office’s digital transformation programme consultation, has announced…

How do I know if my design already exists?

If you have designed a new product and are looking to protect it via a UK design registration, one of your key concerns is likely going to be, does this…

Dua Lipa wins copyright case over song Levitating

In 2022, Dua Lipa was sued by songwriters L Russell Brown and Sandy Linzer.  Dua Lipa was accused of copying their songs Wiggle and Giggle all night, and Don Diablo.…

The Importance of a Registered Trade Mark

Understanding the importance of registering a trademark is essential for protecting your business and strengthening your brand. A trade mark is an important asset for any company. Registering a trade…

Valuing claims and selecting the right forum for disputes

Makeality Ltd (the “Claimant”), the company behind the “Piddle Patch” indoor dog house-training product initiated legal proceedings in the High Court against City Doggo Ltd (the “Defendant”) and its Director,…

Rebranding: what are the key considerations?

If you’re a brand nerd like me, it may have caught your attention recently that WHSmith is to rebrand its high street business to TGJones, following its agreed sale to…

Dubai Chocolate, what’s in a name?

The viral Middle Eastern inspired chocolate bar, dubbed “Dubai Chocolate”, has been the subject of legal disputes in Germany in recent months, in the face of imitations. The pistachio-pastry filled…

Proportionality in IP Claims

Valuing intellectual property claims is always a difficult thing to do from the outset.  Unlike a debt claim, it is difficult for a party to determine the true value of…

Trade marks versus copyright, what’s the difference

Wondering about trade marks versus copyright protection and which is right for your business assets? Both are essential intellectual property tools, but they protect different things and work in different…

When Does a Designer’s Name on a Label Become Legally Misleading?

Can a trade mark that includes a designer’s name become deceptive once that designer is no longer involved with the brand? This is the key issue addressed by Advocate General…

Are you using your cloned trade mark registration in the UK?

Prior to Brexit, an EU trade mark granted the rightsholder trade mark protection in the UK in addition to the other EU member states. Following Brexit and IP Completion Day…

Why Letting Your Overseas Distributor Register Your Trade Mark Can Cause Problems

When your business starts to grow overseas, it is common to work with local partners, such as distributors, franchisees, or agents. Sometimes, these partners offer to register your trade mark…

Pastel de Nata: A Taste of Portugal and a Lesson in Trade Secrets

We’ve just returned from a fantastic team trip to Portugal – a wonderful few days spent enjoying the sunshine, culture, and of course, plenty of food. It was a proper…

Government (potentially) rows back on proposed changes to UK copyright law

BRIFFA, along with numerous other stakeholders in the creative industries, has been actively lobbying the UK government regarding its recent proposals to reform copyright law in favour of AI development…

What is a trade mark coexistence agreement?

A trade mark coexistence agreement is a  type of contract which is frequently used to settle and/or avoid disputes between two parties regarding their branding. The need for such an…

Brand Collaborations – What’s the deal?

Brand collaborations are everywhere these days. Whether it’s high-end designers working with high street brands or a pop culture giant teaming up with a retail store, these partnerships are a…

Should I use AI as my lawyer?

Perhaps we’re biased, but simply put – no, an AI lawyer isn’t a substitute for real legal expertise. AI has become an integral part of daily life. From simplifying tasks…

The Benefits of Mediation – When All Else Fails, Mediate!

Thinking about the benefits of mediation for resolving disputes efficiently? Here’s why this cost-effective and collaborative method could be the key to unlocking a faster, more productive resolution. Are you stuck…

Alice Ltd v Photogram Ltd & Ors | [2024] EWHC 3256 (IPEC)

This recent trade mark infringement case, involving the UK registered trade mark ALICE (UK00003362772), saw a successful s.10(1) and s.10(2) Trade Marks Act 1994 (“TMA”) claim. Background The ALICE trade…

Transport for London v Gap [O/1219/24] – Mind The Gap

The UKIPO has partially refused Transport for London’s (the “Applicant”) application for the proposed trade mark MIND THE GAP. The opposition was brought by GAP (ITM) INC (the “Opponent”). Background…

Vibe Coding Is Here — But Are Your IP Rights Protected?

Vibe coding is an emerging approach to software development. Instead of writing code line-by-line, developers and non-developers alike can describe what they want, from functionality to design aesthetics, and receive…

Why start-ups should consider IP

In the fast-paced world of fashion, design, media and tech, intellectual property often gets overlooked until there’s a problem. But some of the most common IP issues come from small…

The Lego Exception and Proportionality in Injunctive Relief: A Case for Clarity

On March 6, 2025, Advocate General (AG) Szpunar delivered his Opinion in the case Lego A/S v Pozitív Energiaforrás Kft. (C-211/24), focusing on the so-called “Lego exception” under the Community…

Do I need to register my copyright?

Do I need to register my copyright to protect my work? The answer depends on where you operate. In the UK and EU, copyright arises automatically – but in other regions,…