IP
Trade marks are an important tool for protecting a brand's identification and reputation in the market. In recent years, there has been a widespread trend in Europe and worldwide to register pattern marks, which are particularly popular among fashion brands. However, the registration of this type of
Challenges of Trademark Registration in the USA - What to Prepare For
The majority of clients who approach us for assistance in filing a trademark application are, of course, most interested in protection of their trademark in the Czech Republic, Slovakia or the European Union. Another popular trademark "destination" is the USA. However, be prepared that this is a ver
Coexistence agreements: Yes or no?
Coexistence agreements are one of the options that two owners of similar or identical trademarks have in a situation where they want to agree on how to (co-)exist together not only on the market but also in trademark registers. But can you really be sure that a coexistence agreement gives you a guar
Four stripes, still adidas
You know the slightly ironic saying “More stripes, more adidas”? I’m sure you do... And the Czech courts know it too! So well, in fact, that it made it into the reasoning of a judgment. If you want to know the outcome, read the article commenting on the court battle of the stripes.
BMW failed to enforce it´s trademark right in the Czech republic
Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) has recently found out in the Czech Republic that even the most famous trademarks (international and EU trademarks) in the automotive industry do not enjoy absolute protection. In fact, the Czech courts ruled against BMW in a dispute with an independent specialised dea
A physical marketplace and online marketplace are equal, at least in connection with IP infringement
In January this year, the Czech Supreme Court ruled that a physical marketplace is, from the perspective of intellectual property rights, equal to an online marketplace. It follows from the judgment that if a tenant has infringed intellectual property rights and such infringement is confirmed by a f
Unitary patent vs. Czechia and Slovakia – What is (not) changing for foreign proprietors of european patents?
As of 1 June 2023, the unitary European patent system has come into effect. With it, a brand-new institution – a Unified Patent Court (UPC) – will start its activities. It is the biggest change in the area of patents in decades. Many speak of a European patent revolution. However, not all EU countri
Unique design, old problems. How to use Certoo to protect against design copying?
Design work is unique and enticing at the same time. But can something like this be protected from the persistent fingers of plagiarists? And can it be done quickly and cheaply? In the EDIT project, to protect his designs and design elements, Petr Novague also uses the online tool Certoo.
Multiplayer School of Witchcraft and Wizardry? Video game modding and its copyright implications
Video games and "modding" - two terms that go increasingly hand in hand. With the growing availability of tools for modifying gaming systems, modding is becoming not only more widespread, but also a very popular way to improve individual games by “fans” themselves. But where does copyright law stand
Patent Revolution: Unitary Patent and Unified Patent Court
As of 1 June 2023, the Unitary Patent (UP) system will become effective. With it, a brand-new institution – the Unified Patent Court (UPC) – will be established. As a result, the mechanism will introduce the biggest change in the area of patents in decades and will affect all European patents, also
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