In Europe, there is a special protection for unique products (the so-called PGI status or "Geographical Indication"). It acts as a "seal of quality" ensuring that, for instance, "Irish Beef" is truly meat from cows raised on the green fields of Ireland, rather than just a marketing name.

A recent UK case between the sporting giant Adidas and the fashion house Thom Browne has become a definitive guide on how courts evaluate unconventional trademarks. While Adidas sought to protect its three stripes and Thom Browne defended its four, the court’s findings are vital for any business.

The owners of the famous TD Garden sports arena in Boston have filed a lawsuit against a local medical marijuana dispensary operating under the name “The Boston Garden.” The sports moguls claim that the shop’s branding is too similar to the name of the legendary old stadium — “The Boston Garden” — which closed its doors back in 1995.

Many of us use the Apple feature where a double-click of a button allows for payment via Apple Pay without even unlocking the iPhone. Interestingly, this very technology became the focus of a recent landmark decision by the Board of Appeal of the European Patent Office (EPO).

Court rulings in Kazakhstan demonstrate an inconsistent and, at times, unpredictable approach to trademark disputes. It appears that even highly limited use of a brand name can suffice to maintain broad legal protection.

In a decision dated March 25, 2026, the Versailles Court of Appeal brought a high-profile case initiated by the fashion house Hermès to a close. The core of the conflict involved a company selling handbags that were nearly exact replicas of the legendary Birkin and Kelly models. The only distinction was the humorous slogans emblazoned on the front.