Organisation: British American Tobacco

The High Court in London has rejected a challenge to legislation introducing plain packaging for tobacco products. The decision was handed down just a day before the new regime makes effect, meaning that the UK will shortly become the latest country to implement plain packaging.

19 May 2016

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled that the new EU directive on tobacco products is valid, meaning that the extensive standardisation of packaging, the future EU-wide prohibition on menthol cigarettes and upcoming special rules for electronic cigarettes are lawful. However, tobacco industry commentators have hit back, arguing that the ruling does not necessarily give the green light to plain packaging.

05 May 2016

Featured in Trademark register tracker

While European trademark practice is on the cusp of significant change, the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market’s (OHIM) gaze is firmly focused on the present. In this year’s annual OHIM survey we asked users to assess the office’s current performance and the likely impact that the legislative package will have once enacted

01 September 2015

The UK Intellectual Property Office has revealed that trademark applications have risen by 44% over the past five years. Its latest figures also reveal that it received 54,498 trademark applications in 2014 – up 9% on 2013 (50,265) and up almost a quarter when compared to 2012 (43,873). Registrations for the year also jumped to 45,123 – up 15% on 2013 (42,548) and 23% on 2012 (43,873).

09 June 2015

<i>World Trademark Review</i> presents its annual focus on the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market, polling users to gauge sentiment on its performance, assessing the impact of upcoming legislative changes and presenting updates direct from Alicante.

31 August 2014

At first glance, analysing the latest figures from the UK Intellectual Property Office suggests that trademark owners are being more combative in their efforts to protect their brands. However, the reality is that the shift – albeit limited – is heading the other way.

16 June 2014

In <i>Philip Morris Products SA v British American Tobacco (Brands) Ltd</i>, the registrar of trademarks has dismissed an opposition by Philip Morris against the registration of CLICK SWITCH REFRESH by British American Tobacco for Class 34 goods. Among other things, the registrar dismissed Philip Morris’ argument that the mark was descriptive of the mode of use of the goods.

12 February 2014

The Supreme Court of Justice has rejected a motion to appeal in a dispute between cigarettes manufacturers. Last year the Federal Court of Appeals had rejected a complaint brought by Massalin, a Philip Morris subsidiary, against Japan Tobacco and its licensee Nobleza Piccardo regarding the use of the mark WINSTON. The complaint sought to enforce a self-imposed restriction placed on Reynolds Tobacco - the then owner of the mark - in 1954.

16 September 2013

In a big week for plain packaging news, reports have emerged today that the UK government is postponing plans to push ahead with the regime. The move will be welcomed by brand owners, with reports emerging from Australia that its legislation is having some unexpected consequences.

12 July 2013

The adjudicator has rejected an opposition filed by Philip Morris Products SA against British American Tobacco (Brands) Inc’s application for the registration of a design mark in Class 34. The case illustrates what happens when the opponent in opposition proceedings chooses not to file evidence.

11 January 2013