New Game Boy trade mark registered in Japan
A Twitter trade mark bot tweeted news of a new trade mark filed by Nintendo on 15 September. The trade mark included an image of a Game Boy, the iconic product for the video games giant. No name was specified but it covers a variety of platforms and products, including “programmes for smartphones”, “smartphone covers” as well as “watches” and “necklaces”.
Some industry experts predict this could mean a new gaming system is on the way, although the new trade mark could be to protect the existing brand and products.
Firm withdraws application to register ‘PropTech’ as trade mark
The UK PropTech Association successfully protested against the application by a firm to trade mark the phrase “PropTech”. The application was made by start-up Property Technology, and was filed by owner Sam Zawadski. The UKPA instructed a lawyer to formally file an objection when Zawadski initially didn’t respond to calls to withdraw the application.
Zawadski insisted the application was made “… in good faith to protect our right to trade under an abbreviated version of our LTD name.” He also agreed to pay £500 in legal costs for the objection filed by the Association.
Myanmar moves forward with IP office
The government of Myanmar is finally in a position to release its plans to set up a national IP department. It has announced that an expert Intellectual Property Committee will be formed to debate and analyse IP policies, with the aim of shaping a transition to the new system.
Myanmar has been heading towards forming and implementing its first trade mark law for a few years. It’s likely that legislation will soon be passed. It’s an intrinsic part of the government’s plan to overhaul the entire economy and legal system of Myanmar, following its transition to a democratic government just over a year ago.
UKIP V the Premier League
At the UK Independent Party (UKIP) conference, the far-right political group members were asked to vote on a new logo. The party is attempting a rebrand in the face of plummeting popularity, with a succession of failed leaders over recent months. The winner of the member vote was a design featuring a purple lion. After it was announced, Twitter wasn’t slow to point out that the suggested design looks extremely similar to the badge used by the English Premier League.
Famous names such as Kevin Keegan waded in on Twitter to argue that the Premier League should launch legal action. However, the interim leader for UKIP, Steve Crowther, denied that there was any problem. He said: “I’m told the Premier League are consulting their lawyers and their lawyers will tell them the same thing our lawyers told us – it’s a different lion! You can’t have a copyright law that says ‘you’ve done something a bit like it’.” Time will tell…
Sources:
http://www.propertyindustryeye.com/row-breaks-out-as-firm-seeks-to-trademark-proptech-term/
http://www.worldtrademarkreview.com/blog/detail.aspx?g=0902946f-d724-4c4e-9961-25695070d84c
http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2017/10/11/nintendo-just-registered-a-new-game-boy-trademark-in-japan