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What is copyright infringement, and how do I avoid it?

What is copyright? At its most basic, copyright is the right to prevent people from copying your work. Under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (“CDPA”), copyright will exist…

How to protect my clothing designs

With the rise of fast fashion, social media and online shopping, more than ever, fashion designers are facing issues trying to protect their work from copycats. It can be daunting…

MUSIC – What is a distribution deal and do I need one?

As a musician or producer, once you have finished your latest track or EP, the next step is to push your music for release. For signed artists, this is usually…

How do you defend a claim for copyright infringement?

Copyright is a right to stop copying. If there is no copying, there is no copyright infringement. However, how do you defend a copyright claim?

How to protect your product design?

What is a ‘product’ anyway? Most of us understand the word product to mean ‘something that has been produced’ (i.e. manufactured or made). The EU law regulating the protection of…

How to protect a TV format

Game show formats and reality TV shows like Love Island and Big Brother have been extremely popular not only in the UK, but also internationally. Format rights are therefore important…

Help! I’ve received a Notice of Threatened Opposition, what do I do now?

Well, let’s start by explaining what a Notice of Threatened Opposition actually is… essentially it’s a form (called a TM7A if you’re interested) that potential opponents of a trade mark…

Help! There Are Similar Trade Marks Already Registered, What Should I Do?

The UK Intellectual Property Office has recently published a report showing that a record number of trade marks were registered last year, which represents a 75% increase from 2020. It…

Help, I’ve Just Received A Cease And Desist Letter!

As intellectual property experts, we spend much of our time sending or responding to cease and desist letters. These letters are the first step in intellectual property (IP) claims and…

My trade mark application has been opposed, help!

With the caveat that I am biased, trade marks are wonderful things. They provide a clear method for brand owners to protect and police the use of a brand. They…

Classic Copyright Cases – De La Soul

And he’s back at it again with another Classic Copyright Case to feast your eyes on. This time round I have the pleasure of discussing a legal case in the…

Classic Copyright Cases – Ice Ice Baby

It is that time again, another Classic Copyright Case from yours truly. I hope you are all keeping well and enjoying the gradual descent into insanity which I am sure…

Classic Copyright Cases – George Harrison

It’s me again with another Classic Copyright Case. As I write, almost all restrictions in England have been lifted and we step into an uncertain new world – although ordering…

Classic Copyright Cases – Katy Perry

I’m back again with another Classic Copyright Case, live and direct from my bedroom. I hope you are all keeping well in these challenging times and developing countless new hobbies…

Classic Copyright Cases – Bitter Sweet Symphony

Bitter Sweet Symphony needs no introduction. It is an undisputed classic from The Verve with an equally memorable music video. The song, written by Richard Ashcroft and released back in…

Classic Copyright Cases – The Beatles

This month I’ll be talking about a dispute involving music goliaths The Beatles and rock and roll pioneer Chuck Berry.

Registering A Trade Mark In Ireland

As part of Briffa’s expansion into Ireland, our IP solicitor in Cork, Mark Eiffe, examines some of the matters that Irish startups and SMEs should consider when it comes to…

What Can Be Registered As A Trade Mark In Ireland?

Your trade mark’s essential function is to be a badge of origin. It distinguishes your goods or services from those of other undertakings or competitors in the same market, thus…

The Complete Guide to Design Rights

What Are Design Rights? Design rights can protect the shape, configuration or appearance of the whole or part of a product. In the UK, the two main design rights which…

The Complete Guide to Trade Mark Oppositions

This is your comprehensive guide on trade mark oppositions in the UK. In the ever-evolving landscape of business and intellectual property, protecting your brand is paramount. A trade mark serves…

Trade Mark Infringement: The Complete Guide

Have you seen a business using a name similar to yours? Or does their logo look like yours? Or have you received a cease-and-desist letter and you’re wondering what to…