Industry: Restaurants & bars

Pune court allows local restaurant to use BURGER KING mark following 13-year dispute

The judgment serves as a warning that trademark rights are significantly influenced by actual use in India.

05 September 2024

Canadian IP giants merge; Blockbuster bar forced to change name; Starbucks accused of trade secrets misappropriation – news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at Vans settling the WAVY BABY dispute, Mark Wahlberg’s burger chain settling a trademark dispute with a burger truck, and more.

23 August 2024

Federal Circuit rules that fraud after registration is not a basis for cancellation

The TTAB’s power to dismiss registered trademarks under Section 14 of the Lanham Act has been called into question in a dispute over fraudulently obtained registrations.

16 November 2023

IP High Court: ATHLETE CHIFFON is descriptive in relation to hotel and restaurant services

The relevant consumers would perceive the mark as referring to a restaurant providing chiffon cakes for athletes when used in relation to Class 43 services.

03 November 2023

Chick-fil-A has its work cut out as it bids to become a major player in the UK

Chick-fil-A’s second attempt to crack the UK market will require a more-than-canny brand protection strategy if it truly expects to compete, given its past reputational issues in the country, argues this week’s opinion column.

23 September 2023

Bulls shoot and miss: UKIPO rejects invalidity proceedings brought by NBA

The NBA’s evidence was too vague, which damaged its chances of establishing any reputation beyond basketball-related entertainment.

15 September 2023

Court holds that ‘China Bistro’ combination is distinctive and restrains use of WOW! CHINA BISTRO

Disclaiming exclusivity in respect of individual parts of a composite mark does not ipso facto result in disclaiming exclusivity over the mark as a whole.

08 September 2023

Reykjanes District Court issues decision in PADDY’S dispute

The court found that the evidence clearly demonstrated that the words ‘Paddy’s Irish pub’ are used worldwide to designate establishments of a certain type.

17 February 2023

McDonald’s v Supermac’s: Return of the (Big) Mac

The case highlights the importance of supplying sufficient and suitable evidence when defending a mark against a non-use revocation action before the EUIPO - even one as well known as BIG MAC.

02 February 2023

McDonald’s exit from Kazakhstan could be sign of things to come

McDonald’s may not be the only big brand forced to exit Kazakhstan due to Russia-related supply chain issues, Saturday’s opinion argues.

21 January 2023