Trademark
The 7–Eleven “Big Bite” Dispute: Limits of Trans-Border Reputation
When it comes to trademark rights, a common assumption among global brands is that international fame and reputation automatically guarantee protection for their mark in every jurisdiction. However, the ruling of the Madras High Court in the dispute between 7–Eleven International LLC and Ravi Foods…
Can trademark law be used to extend protection over product shapes after design rights expire? The Harpic bottle dispute raises important questions
Product packaging plays a crucial role in the consumer goods market where distinctive designs often become closely associated with a brand, such as the iconic Harpic bottle. To protect such features, companies commonly rely on design registrations, however, design protection is limited in duration…
Well-Known Trademarks Are Not Absolute: Key Takeaways from the Vicks Judgment
It is a well-settled principle of trademark law that marks declared or recognised as well-known by the Trade Marks Registry or Courts enjoy a higher degree of protection. However, trademark owners often operate under the assumption that such protection grants blanket exclusivity across all classes…
3D shape marks can now attain ‘Well-known’ status in India: Does your brand qualify for the enhanced protection?
The recent Delhi High Court ruling by Justice Tejas Karia in Hermes International & Anr. vs Macky Lifestyle Private Limited & Anr (Cs(Comm) 716/2021 & I.A. 17569/2021) granting well-known trademark status to the 3D shape of Birkin bags marks a significant development in Indian trademark…
India Accepts Its First Smell Mark – Can Your Brand Register One?
We bring to you a recent significant development in Indian trademark law, which may be helpful to enhance protection for your brands in India. The Indian Trade Marks Registry has, for the first time, accepted a smell trademark for a rose-scented tyre filed by Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd., which…
Maldives Enacts Modern Trademark Regime: What Rights Holders Need to Know About the New Trademarks Act
The Maldives has taken a major step toward strengthening its intellectual-property framework with the introduction of the Trademarks Act (Law No. 2/2019, implemented in 2025) (“The Act”). For the first time, the country will operate a comprehensive, statutory trademark registration system,…