Organisation: BBC

The far-right’s favourite social network Gab is on the rise; what brands need to know

“Free speech” social network Gab has reported the biggest surge of growth in its four-year history; WTR investigates brand use on the platform and identifies issues that brand owners must be aware of.

10 June 2020

“A veiled threat” – UK government releases draft EU free trade agreement with geographical indications omitted

The UK government has published an outline of a free trade agreement with the European Union which omits geographical indications (GIs) – a move that suggests GIs will remain a contentious issue as negotiations continue.

19 May 2020

BBC recovers its TOP GEAR trademark after two-year battle

The Russian Intellectual Property Court has overturned its earlier decision in a case involving the invalidation of the British Broadcasting Corporation’s TOP GEAR trademark.

20 January 2020

Surviving a scandal: brand management and the Royal Family

The Monarchy proves that a clear strategy can build an everlasting brand, but it is always at risk of suffering reputational damage.

29 November 2019

“They hoped to grind us down” – Bentley Clothing voices relief at trademark win against motoring giant

UK family-run fashion business Bentley Clothing has prevailed against Bentley Motors in a long-running trademark dispute. Talking to WTR, the owner of Bentley Clothing speaks of the stress that the case has caused.

04 November 2019

Chinese company to acquire Thomas Cook brand and appears to have grabbed a bargain

In our latest opinion piece, we consider the news that Fosun Tourism Group is purchasing the Thomas Cook brand, recently valued at £836 million, in a deal worth £11 million – arguing that the company is making a canny acquisition.

04 November 2019

NBA crisis highlights the China conundrum for all brands

We speak with IP and PR experts on what brand owners must learn from the NBA's ongoing crisis in China, with one claiming that this is “the biggest trademark story of the year”.

09 October 2019

Marvel battles Wakanda trademark, Sheffield Wednesday IP woes, and most patriotic brands: news digest

In our latest edition, we look at a new warning for trademark solicitation scams, SMEs are increasingly turning to Colombia, the China and Korea IP offices teaming up, a flurry of Trump-themed marks, and much more.

18 June 2019

Gab, Parler, Thinkspot: brands warned of IP risks on new anti-censorship social networks

New social media platforms pledging to be “censorship-free” are garnering significant audiences who seek an alternative to Twitter and Facebook. Research from WTR finds that these platforms could be uniquely challenging for rights holders.

13 June 2019

Plain packaging threat rises as UK body recommends regime for confectionery and sugary drinks

The Institute for Public Policy Research has recommended that plain packaging be extended to confectionery, crisps and high-sugar drinks. Now is the time for the trademark voice to be heard.

05 June 2019