TM Blog
China Cuts Trademark Fees
The Chinese Trademark Office has cut its official fees. Appyling for a mark now costs US$44 per class.
Federal Circuit Affirms “Evade Offshore Armor” Trademark
The Federal Circuit affirmed a Trademark Trial and Appeal Board decision that there was no likelihood of confusion between the mark “Evade Offshore Armor” and "Under Armour." Under Armour has been aggressive in fighting clothing marks that include "Armour" and "Armor."
China Trademark Review and Adjudication Board to Release Decisions
The Trademark Review and Adjudication Board of China's State Administration for Industry and Commerce has begun publishing decisions. Currently the decisions are selected at random. However, all decisions may be available in the future. The decisions are invaluable in understanding how Chinese trademark law is applied. The decisions are available here.
Eleventh Circuit Affirms Denial Kardashian Motion
The eleventh circuit affirmed a district court denial of a motion to compell arbitration in a trademark controversy over the Kardashian mark Khroma. The case is quite complicated, but arose from a simple mistake. Read the decision here. However, the key fact is that Khroma as launched after a similar Kroma trademark was registered, resulting in millions in legal fees. Always search and register if the mark is important.
Castro is Dead, But the Havana Club Trademark Dispute Lives On
The Havana Club trademark dispute has its roots in the Cuban Revolution, when Fidel Castro's government nationalized the Jose Arechabala company. Bacardi, the successor to Jose Arechabala, has been trying to recover the mark since 1994. Castro is gone, the but struggle continues...