In late May 2013, Microsoft announced details of its new console, the XBox One, to be launched in November 2013. In addition to new games and technical improvements, consumers were surprised by Microsoft's initial statement that that games on the system would be bound to a user's account. The PR backlash caused Microsoft to change […]
For several years, research at the Max Planck Institute for Intellectual Property and Competition Law (MPI) – in collaboration with experts from all over the world – has examined the trend of bilateral and regional agreements that include provisions on the protection and enforcement of intellectual property (IP) rights.
The verdict is in for the lengthy European trade-mark battle between British flower competitors Marks and Spencer (M&S) and Interflora regarding Google AdWords and trade-mark infringement. Victory goes to the trade-mark holder, Interflora.
CBC’s ill-fated “Ici” re-branding may be getting clawed back, but that’s not stopping Radio-Canada from seeking a trade-mark expungement against current broadcaster and “Ici” trade-mark holder, Sam Nozouri.
In late June, the Federal Circuit again decided Ultramercial v Hulu - a case brought by Ultramercial claiming infringement of their patent for serving online media preceded by advertising. Ultramercial's patent has been widely criticized by many commentators who view the patent as one describing an abstract concept, and believe the decision is destined for a Supreme Court appeal.
On May 31st, 2013 the UK Intellectual Property Office (“IPO”) released a report on its research into the “Impact of Lookalikes: Similar Packaging and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods”. The issue of lookalikes is a politically “hot” one in both the UK and the EU, as there is pressure from brand owners who seek more effective protection […]
Pharrell may currently hold the #1 and #2 spots on Billboard’s Hot 100, but in the past few weeks, he made headlines due to his ongoing trade-mark dispute with Will.i.am (coincidentally, the last band to hold both the #1 and #2 spots was Will.i.am's band, The Black Eyed Peas).
On November 24, 2011, the Federal Court of Appeal released its decision for Amazon.com, Inc. v. The Commissioner of Patents, 2011 FCA 328. This case related to patent application 2,246,933 filed by Amazon.com, Inc. entitled “Method and System For Placing A Purchase Order Via A Communications Network”. Popularly known as the “one-click shopping cart” case, […]
In the realm of law, neutrality is widely hailed as a fundamental principle of fairness, justice and equity; it is also, however, widely criticized as a myth that too often obscures the inevitable reality of perspective, interest or agenda. It should come as little surprise, then, that the principle of technological neutrality, recently employed by […]
Thank you to all the participants of Canada's IP Writing Challenge 2013. The winners of the Challenge will be announced on October 31, 2013 and the winning articles will be featured here on the IPilogue and on IPIC's website (www.ipic.ca).