Navigating Intellectual Property Challenges in the Metaverse

As the metaverse rapidly evolves into a significant marketplace, intellectual property (IP) law, particularly trade mark protection, face new challenges in safeguarding brands within virtual environments. A recent UK government-commissioned report highlights these emerging issues as businesses seek to establish a presence in the metaverse. What is the Metaverse? At its core, the metaverse is […]

Jellycat vs. Aldi

Protecting Your Intellectual Property: Why It Matters for Your Business Intellectual property (IP) is one of your business’s most valuable assets. Whether it’s your trade mark, logo, product design, or even the name of your business, IP is what makes you stand out in a crowded market. But what happens if someone else tries to […]

Easygroup are at it again….

Easyfundraising win battle against EasyGroup [12/09/2024] Easyfundraising’s CEO, James Moir, expressed relief, stating that the court ruling validated their decision to fight EasyGroup’s “ridiculous claims.” He highlighted that EasyGroup failed to provide any evidence of customer confusion, despite the fact that Easyfundraising has operated independently for nearly 20 years. Meanwhile, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder of […]

Meghan Markle has had her trade mark application refused

Understanding Trademark Rejections: The Case of American Riviera Orchard Trade mark applications can be a complex and sometimes challenging process, as recently demonstrated by Meghan Markle’s attempt to register her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, with the U.S. Patent and Trade mark Office (USPTO). We previously wrote, back in April, about how the UK domain […]

Why Intellectual Property (IP) Protection is Essential for Tech Startups

The world of technology startups is dynamic and competitive, which makes safeguarding your intellectual property (IP) essential for long-term success and scalability. For example, lets look at a scenario where “InnoSight,” a tech startup entered the market with ground breaking virtual reality technology. With a focus on product development and marketing, the founders initially overlooked […]

Lebron’s Demure Catchphrase Sparks Trade Mark Battle: A Cautionary Tale for Content Creators

Jools Lebron, a Chicago-based social media influencer with over 2 million TikTok followers, recently found herself at the centre of a trade mark dispute. Her catchphrase, “Very Demure, Very Mindful,” which gained significant traction online, has attracted the attention of others seeking to capitalise on its popularity. Trade marks are vital tools for protecting intellectual […]

Securing Your Brand: Strategies for Navigating Similar Trade Marks

The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has recently reported an unprecedented rise in trade mark registrations, with a 75% increase since 2020. While this surge highlights the growing awareness among businesses of the need to protect their brand identities, it also means that finding a unique trade mark is becoming increasingly difficult.  Undertaking a thorough […]

Franchising: Safeguarding and Leveraging Your Brand

Franchising can be a powerful way to expand your business, offering opportunities for both franchisors and franchisees. When done correctly, it can lead to significant growth and financial success, much like global giants McDonald’s, Subway, and Dominos. However, the road to a successful franchise is paved with careful planning, investment, and—most importantly—protecting your brand’s intellectual […]

What is My Intellectual Property Worth? A Guide for Business Owners

When discussing Intellectual Property (IP) you often hear “What is my intellectual property worth?” This query is especially common among those in the tech, software, and pharmaceutical sectors. As businesses grow and evolve, questions about finances and IP naturally arise, given their intrinsic connection. Understanding the value of your IP is crucial for equity and […]