INTA’s “badge up” message; live sports piracy threats; India smell mark first; and much more
Welcome to your Sunday recap of the week’s biggest developments in trademark and brand protection.
From the CJEU’s test for originality to new anti-counterfeit customs technology, here’s what shaped the IP landscape this week.
This Week’s Must-Read
“Badge up”: INTA chief encourages London registration as association eyes broader IP mission (1 December)
Preparations are well underway for the 2026 INTA Annual Meeting in London. At the same time, INTA is considering how it can evolve its mission, support IP professionals as their roles change, and advocate on an array of IP rights.
In-House Perspectives
Lessons from Salomon’s successful design invalidation at the EUIPO (5 December)
Salomon representative Markéta Shubik sat down with WTR to discuss the brand’s recent design invalidation win and how shape marks can help to combat dupes.
Piracy represents an “existential threat” to live sports, warns MPA chief content protection officer (2 December)
Rights holders must adapt to follow the money and focus on intelligence-driven disruption of criminal networks, says the Motion Picture Association’s Larissa Knapp.
Why trademark teams should monitor competitor filings (6 December)
By tracking rival filings, brand owners can anticipate market moves and feed back intelligence that influences business strategy.
From the Courts
India’s first smell trademark signals new era for sensory brand protection (5 December)
The Trademark Registry’s acceptance of a rose-scented tyre mark demonstrates India’s readiness to protect non-traditional trademarks, potentially paving the way for sound, texture, taste and motion marks.
CJEU clarifies test for originality in Mio and Konektra copyright cases (4 December)
The European Union’s originality requirement for copyright protection must be applied “uniformly” to all types of works – including works of applied art – the court has confirmed.
SCOTUS hears appeal in Cox v Sony Music copyright infringement liability case (2 December)
The court is set to determine whether a significant verdict against the internet service provider will stand and help clarify the relevant legal standard for copyright infringement liability.
Brand Protection Intelligence
Why 63% of consumers can’t spot fakes (2 December)
A recent report reveals a troubling disconnect between consumer demand for product authentication tools and what brands are actually providing.
New smartphone technology tested at US Customs could ID counterfeits in “seconds”(4 December)
New technology donated to US Customs consolidates existing counterfeit detection software on one smartphone
Counterfeit hotspots to be aware of in Australia (4 December)
Discover the main markets in Australia that reportedly engage in the trade of counterfeit goods.
Twitter cancellation petition; call for Shein and Temu investigation (5 December)
Five bite-sized news updates to keep you in the loop on the week’s news, featuring brands including Dryrobe, Nike and X.
Government & Policy
AI poses major risk to Māori peoples “treasured” cultural IP (4 December)
A scholar in Māori Data Sovereignty insists that AI LLMs amplify “long-standing structural problems in IP law”, which does not sufficiently protect Māori IP.
Brazil INPI infringement win; IP India online service provider hearing; USPTO annual targets (3 December)
Our latest IP office news round-up also includes updates from Chile, Peru and Taiwan.
Legislation and policy watch: November 2025 (2 December)
WTR’s monthly column tracks trademark and related policy developments, including the progress of major bills, from around the world.
RDRS extended for two years as ICANN looks to future system (3 December)
Our regular Domain Watch column covers November-December developments in internet policy, governance and use.
