INTA Publishes Third Issue of China Bulletin in 2021

Have you registered yet for the 2021 Annual Meeting Virtual+? This issue of the China Bulletin begins with an interview with the Annual Meeting Co-Chairs Diane Lau (Facebook, Inc., USA) and Lorenzo Litta (BrandIT, Switzerland) as they discuss why registering early for the Meeting is beneficial. They also explain the Meeting’s hybrid format, its fresh approach to daily educational tracks, and its robust and varied Business Development opportunities. Their interview is accompanied by an overview article that describes what’s in store for attendees of the five-day virtual component as well as the in-person mini-conferences in four cities. The article includes important details such as the pricing structure, how the bulk discount works, and why this Meeting is anything but typical!

We are living through challenging times. Nevertheless, the Association continues to update its various resources for brand owners and professionals, including recent updates to the Bad Faith Applicants on Notice presented by Enforcement Committee and the Guide on Addressing the Sale of Counterfeits on the Internet. We also pay attention to emerging issues such as blockchain and how it could affect the IP community.

In the feature articles in this issue, we look at registering the slogans in the United States and unauthorized use of traditional cultural expressions. We also return to Brexit and consider what it means for the exhaustion of intellectual property rights as well as its immediate impact on parallel trade between the UK and EU. And, finally, we take a look at some of the practical implications of how blockchain is transforming IP.

This issue also covers several legislative and case law developments from around Europe and the United States:

• DENMARK: Protected Surname May Be Used as Trademark
• EUROPEAN UNION: Carefully Defining What Constitutes “Usual Shapes” for 3D Marks
• EUROPEAN UNION: Distinctiveness and Likelihood of Confusion
• EUROPEAN UNION: Embedding Constitutes Communication to the Public
• EUROPEAN UNION: General Court Reconfirms Assessment of Descriptiveness for Complex Marks
• EUROPEAN UNION: “El Clásico” Is Not a Trademark
• EUROPEAN UNION: Online Sales, Brand Ownership, and Different Territories
• EUROPEAN UNION: The Challenges of “Coining” a New Word
• EUROPEAN UNION: U.S. Conspiracy Theory Trademark Applied for in EU
• UNITED STATES: Fraud Claim May Be Based on False Claims of Acquired Distinctiveness
• UNITED STATES: General Deceptiveness in Wines and Spirits
• UNITED STATES: POCKY Biscuit Shape Found Unprotectable
• UNITED STATES: Record Penalty for Deceptive “Made in USA” Claims
• UNITED STATES: Temporary Restraining Order Against False Advertising
• UNITED STATES: Time to Tie (In) with No Time to Die?

The China Bulletin is a quarterly publication in Mandarin providing insight into the Association’s advocacy work, educational events, legal resources, and other activities. It also includes in-depth feature articles and Law & Practice updates covering notable case law and legislative developments and trends from around the globe.

Articles in the China Bulletin come primarily from the INTA Bulletin. The INTA Bulletins—China Bulletin Subcommittee selects, translates, and prepares the articles for publication.

View the August 2021 China Bulletin.

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this article, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.

© 2021 International Trademark Association