Anti-counterfeiting: the buck stops at ISPs
In a landmark decision, Cartier has become the first company to obtain a UK injunction against ISPs based on trademark infringement grounds. TBO reports.
Harmless fun? Parody campaigns online
Some activists have taken to impersonating companies online by creating false websites and identities. At what point does a bit of fun become an actionable legal issue, and what can targeted companies do to defend themselves? TBO finds out.
Viral marketing: out in the cold
An online campaign can take off and be all over the world in a very short time, so what factors should be considered when thinking about protecting IP? TBO investigates.
Bridging the digital divide
The wider access to smartphones of people in developing economies is going to cause a further explosion in the use of the internet, and brand owners—and ICANN—need to stay on the case, argues Ben Crawford of CentralNic.
Wyke Farms: a lasting impression
Making an enduring impression in the notoriously short-lived world of social media is arguably behind the success of Wyke Farms’s now-trademarked ‘Free Cheese Fridays’ campaign. TBO examines the implications for protecting the cheese maker’s IP.
The role of government in the name game
A sub-group of ICANN’s Governmental Advisory Committee wants to severely restrict the use of geographical names in domain names or trademarks, but this proposal must be vigorously opposed, says Nick Wood of domain name registrar Com Laude.
Branding headaches for alcohol manufacturers
The internet presents many sophisticated ways for drinks companies to promote their brands but, as TBO finds, there is a fine balancing act between getting good exposure and protecting your IP.
Marques 2014: protecting brands in a digital market
At the Marques conference in Copenhagen last month, Google, Nestlé and Lego were some of the brands on hand to provide top tips on protecting rights online and on social media. TBO provides a round-up of the best advice.
The legality of parallel imports in India
Counterfeiting cases are rarely contested in court but the law on the legality of parallel imports is ambiguous and hotly contested in India, as Safir Anand reports.
Social media: first and funniest wins
Social media give companies an easy way of reaching legions of customers in a focused way. But what are the IP pitfalls for using this method of marketing, and can it ever rival traditional advertising? TBO investigates.
