Organisation: House of Lords

The new Intellectual Property Bill had its second reading on May 22. Among other things, the bill proposes new criminal penalties for intentional infringement of registered designs and a new opinions service for registered designs, as well as the strengthening of, and "improvements" to, design rights.

24 May 2013

In <i>Starbucks (HK) Ltd v British Sky Broadcasting Group Plc</i>, the High Court has rejected claims of trademark infringement and passing off in connection with the use of the name NOW TV. The court held that the claimants' figurative CTM NOW was invalid as it was descriptive. It went on to conclude that, even if it had been valid, there was no infringement because the distinctive figurative element was not used, and there was no likelihood of confusion.

13 November 2012