Urgent Alert: Trademark Direct Clients at Risk of Losing Brand Protection
Business owners who previously relied on Trademark Direct Ltd for trademark services are being urged to take immediate action, as the company appears to have ceased operations—potentially leaving thousands of trademarks unmonitored and vulnerable. Communication Breakdown Raises Red Flags According to The Sources, numerous clients have reported being unable to reach Trademark Direct. Initial calls […]
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 […]
THE BOYZ Retain Trademark: A Game-Changer for Their Legacy
THE BOYZ are truly “Giddy Up” with excitement after securing the rights to their name. Following their departure from IST Entertainment, the group faced a trademark challenge as they moved to ONE HUNDRED. Thanks to some “No Air” negotiations, the group can continue to promote under their iconic name. The trademark victory ensures THE BOYZ can “Bloom Bloom” with their legacy intact. From their debut “The First” album […]
The Supreme Court Ruling: A Game Changer for Overly Broad Trademark Filings
In December 2024, the UK Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling in the SkyKick v Sky case [2024] UKSC 36, fundamentally reshaping the landscape for trademark filings. The ruling confirms that overly broad trademark applications—those made for goods and services beyond the trader’s realistic business plans—are now vulnerable to bad faith attacks. The Court reaffirmed that a trademark’s role […]