WTR

“Banksy for Mayor”: street artist faces IP dilemma with launch of controversial political campaign

Arron Banks, a mayoral candidate for the West of England, sparks controversy over his use of the slogan “Banksy for Mayor”.

China IP profession regulation; Canada trademark law changes; EU harmonisation efforts – legislation and policy watch (March 2025)

WTR’s monthly column tracks trademark and related policy developments, including the progress of major bills, from around the world.

Legal Updates

European Union Latest

Better late than never? General Court confirms that grace period exception does not require identity
Taiwan Latest

Court considers duty of care of online shopping platform and TV shopping channel operators
European Union

PDOs v trademarks: General Court adopts strict interpretation of concepts of ‘use’ and ‘evocation’ of a PDO
South Africa

Shake, shake… Stop! The battle over mageu trade dress

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AI policy watch: need-to-know updates from March 2025

WTR's monthly column cuts through the noise to present the AI policy developments that IP professionals most need to know about.

How to protect well-known marks from dilution in Ukraine

Brand owners are exploring new ways to protect renowned marks under a system that has traditionally focused on confusion.

China activity in US; IPOPHL director interview; Amazon seizure stats; and much more

Everything we covered on WTR over the past seven days, and all you need to know from the world of trademarks to set yourself up for the start of another busy week.

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Analysis

RDRS success isn’t measured in the use stats

As the Registration Data Request Service pilot programme approaches its two-year closing date, the feedback is more important than the numbers, argues this week’s opinion column.

Litigious photographers may not have been drawn to Copyright Claims Board, data suggests

Top photographers seem still to be choosing US federal courts over the small claims forum established for cost-efficient remedies for copyright infringement.

Disney filings up more than fivefold, as Amazon and Alphabet deprioritise AI applications

The WTR Brand Tracker series uses Corsearch data to shed light on the trademark strategies of 31 leading companies.

Long Read

Chinese filing activity at the USPTO: a data deep dive

Chinese applicants have filed almost 1 million US trademark applications in the past 10 years, with …

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Reports

Data & Tools

Rankings

Featured from Insight Guides

Germany: Audi finds success and tech applications on the rise amid case law updates on the scope of preliminary injunctions

Featured in Trademark Litigation Review 2025

Case law concerning trademarks in the automotive sector, developments on preliminary injunctions and coverage of new technologies in …

Key considerations for foreign applicants seeking patent protection in China

Featured in Inside China’s IP Market: a Guide 2025

As China becomes an increasingly attractive market for foreign businesses due to its rapidly growing economy, a comprehensive …

Greece: Collaboration and enforcement actions needed to handle surge in digital and offline fakes

Featured in Anti-counterfeiting and Online Brand Enforcement: Global Guide 2024

Greece remains a popular hub for counterfeit goods entering mainland Europe, posing risks to public health and brand …

Market Insight

Updates from an international team of correspondents who report on recent developments in trademark law and practice in their home jurisdictions, as well as strategic issues and those relating to brand protection, portfolio management and value creation.

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