Tag: trademarks

A question of acquired secondary meaning and jurisdictional interpretation. The heels with the red soles represent not only the image of a fearless and independent woman but are also synonymous with the famous name Christian Louboutin since 1992. The shoes are known for their distinctive red soles that are usually in stark contrast to the remainder of the shoe.

Not resting on its laurels since releasing Squid Game, its most watched series to date, Netflix has been hard at work – filing trade mark applications worldwide to protect the Squid Game name and logos for a wide variety of products and services.

In what can best be described as a robust and 'no bars held' move, Russia has declared that champagne producers must now include the designation 'sparkling wine' on their champagne products manufactured for export to Russia. 

This article is based on the Court case (330/2019) [2020] ZASCA 34 (03 April 2020). The taxpayer was engaged in the importation, manufacturing and distribution of alcoholic beverages. The taxpayer entered into an agreement with foreign brand owners for the advertising and promotion of their alcoholic products in South Africa.

An interview with Darren Olivier, Partner Adams & Adams, and Dr Ivor Blumenthal, CEO, ArkKonsult, discussing the legal implications of remote working with respect to an organisation's intellectual property.

Intellectual property (IP) is often overlooked when a business is compelled to seek business rescue or liquidation, but it may form a valuable asset, requiring decisions to be made on whether to sell it or maintain it. In the current economic climate, many businesses will unfortunately find themselves in the unenviable position of having to decide between business rescue and liquidation.

The trademarks COVIDBAN, CORONA GUARD and CORONA CARE were applied for at the South African Trade Marks Office between the 3rd and 16th of March 2020.  Not a complete surprise. There are always opportunists rushing to register a trade mark and this time they are seeking to benefit from the biggest news story of our time.

Brand owners take note. The movement to legalise the possession and consumption of cannabis is real. With the growing global trend to recognise cannabis as legal it can only be a matter of time until various other cannabis products will be legalised too.  

A trade mark adds significant value to your business and as a result can be desired by others. However if not used for a certain period, a trade mark can be vulnerable to cancellation for non-use.

For the second time in history, the African continent has become a focal point for global expansion.  As a result, valuable goods, services and...