As I recently noted in an article on trademarks in the U.S. and internationally, Metro-Goldin-Mayer and Pennsylvania State University are two entities in different, yet related, channels of trade (sports and entertainment,...more
So, there you go—Metro Goldwyn Mayer and Pennsylvania State University are two different entities each associated with a distinctive roar connected to their institution. They are marketed through different, yet related,...more
The typical crack and fizz sound that occurs when opening a carbonated beverage is not registrable as a sound mark as it lacks any distinctive character. This was decided by the General Court of the European Union (GC) in a...more
On June 17, 2019, Canada’s Trademarks Act changed, resulting in its modernization. Canada has now joined five international intellectual property treaties, including the Madrid Protocol, Singapore Treaty and Nice Agreement,...more
June 17, 2019 is the big day – a day anticipated since 2014. The major changes to the Canadian Trademarks Act will be implemented on this day. What does this mean for trademark owners?...more
The Beijing High Court recently made a final judgement in favor of Tencent, finding that the notification beeping sound of the digital company’s instant-messaging and social network services is distinctive enough to be...more
The wait is over! The Canadian Privy Council Office recently announced that the long-anticipated changes to Canada’s trademark laws will officially go into effect June 17, 2019. ...more
The Situation: Alterations to the European Union’s trademark laws came into force on October 1, 2017. ...more
In Canada, trademarks for pharmaceutical preparations and related products have faced numerous challenges, some of which are unique to the industry. This article will canvas the current issues as well as the important changes...more
A sound mark can be registered in China since May 1, 2014. According to a draft Standard of Examination issued by the Chinese Trademark Office, a sound mark can consist of a musical or non-musical sound, or a combination of...more
Trademarks are not only words or logos, but can come in many other forms, including sounds. In the words of the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board in the case In re Gen. Electric Broad. Co., 199 USPQ 560, 563 (TTAB 1978),...more