IP cases involving Nike, Inc.

Trademark battle between FIFA and the PUMA regarding the upcoming soccer World Cup in Qatar led to cancelation of trademarks of both parties. This case highlights yet another gray area of trademark laws: the risky practice of registering sporting events as trademarks

Acknowledging the full extent of brand infringement, FC Liverpool has attempted to register a trademark for the word Liverpool in an attempt to extend its scope of brand protection. These efforts have been unsuccessful following a heated public debate, with the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) rejecting the application due to the geographical significance of the city of Liverpool. Yet, Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur represent examples of football clubs that have succeeded in their efforts to register trademarks for the words Chelsea and Tottenham. This viewpoint explores the seemingly subtle, yet significant, differences in these cases and explores the wider implications for brand protection.

There is a myriad of reasons why trademark registration is of a crucial importance for advertising companies. This article presents a concise summary of 12 key reasons why every creative that sheds light on others should think about registering for a trademark.