The Trademark Trouble Behind Dubai Chocolate and What It Means for Your Brand
You’ve probably seen it. That glossy, pistachio-filled chocolate bar from Dubai that has gone viral across TikTok and Instagram. Rich. Indulgent. Beautifully packaged. It looks like luxury and it tastes like it too. But behind the glossy surface is a legal story that most people haven’t heard. It is not about chocolate at all. It […]
Big News on the Big Mac, Amazon Advice, a WhatsApp Blunder and Bacardi’s Blow
Big news out of Europe. The courts have ruled that McDonald’s no longer has exclusive rights to the name Big Mac outside of beef burgers. That is right. The phrase that has been theirs for decades is now fair game in other food categories. Watch the breakdown in our latest YouTube Short, including what it […]
TM Direct Update: Trademark Direct Clients
Update – 5 May 2025 Trademark Direct have confirmed that their preferred email address for client correspondence is info@trademarkdirect.co.uk. They have also confirmed that their main telephone number, beginning 0208, is active and available on their website for clients wishing to make contact. We will continue to update this page with any further verified information that […]
Who Can Call Themselves a Chocolate Master? Lindt’s Trademark Battle Raises Crucial Questions
The debate over who can rightfully claim industry terms as trademarks is heating up once again, this time centred around the phrase ‘Master Chocolat’. Swiss chocolate giant Lindt is engaged in a trademark battle against Canadian chocolatier GRC Food Services Ltd., highlighting critical issues around trademark ownership, market positioning, and brand identity. This legal clash […]
Bacardi Faces Setback in Havana Club Trademark Battle – Key Lessons for Brand Protection
In another twist to the decades-long trademark dispute, spirits giant Bacardi has experienced a notable setback. A Virginia federal court recently dismissed Bacardi’s lawsuit against the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), marking a significant victory for Cubaexport, the Cuban state-owned entity behind the Havana Club brand. This latest ruling, delivered on 24 January 2025 […]
Binance Faces Trademark Dispute Over ‘Peanut the Squirrel’: Protecting Your Brand in the Digital Era
A new trademark dispute has emerged in the rapidly evolving digital marketplace, with cryptocurrency exchange giant Binance facing allegations of unauthorised use of the trademarked character ‘Peanut the Squirrel’. Mark Longo, the creator and owner of the popular wildlife brand, has issued a cease-and-desist letter accusing Binance of trademark infringement linked to its promotion of […]
Thatchers Cider Triumph Over Aldi in Landmark Trademark Case Means Protecting Your Brand Just Got Easier
In a major win for brand owners, Somerset-based cider maker Thatchers has successfully overturned an earlier court decision, defeating supermarket giant Aldi in a high-profile trademark infringement case. The Court of Appeal ruled that Aldi had unfairly capitalised on the reputation of Thatchers well-loved Cloudy Lemon Cider. This pivotal decision underscores the critical importance of […]
How The Trademark Helpline is Adapting to the Latest Trademark High Court Ruling
Since 2008, The Trademark Helpline has been committed to ensuring our clients get their trademark applications right the first time. Our Trademark Audit Service (formerly known as the Full IP Report) has always been the first essential step. However, the recent Supreme Court ruling in the SkyKick v. Sky case has led us to refine our strategy further to align with the latest […]
Meghan Markle’s Latest Trademark Dispute: American Riviera Orchard
What’s your view on Megan and Harry? The illustrious pair Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have once again found themselves at the centre of a trademark issue, raising concerns that are all too familiar in the world of intellectual property. Their latest application for the term “American Riviera Orchard” highlights key principles of intellectual property—and […]
WWE Files for New Trademark: Is Classic Content Going Behind a Paywall?
If you smell what The Rock is cooking, WWE’s new strategy might just be a game-changer. Recently, WWE filed for the trademark “Raw Vault”, which could signal a shift in how the company distributes its iconic content, especially in the wake of its transition from Peacock to Netflix in 2025. For years, WWE fans have been able to enjoy classic matches and never-before-seen […]