Indian Trademark Statistics for February (Third Week), Trademark Settlement between Breweries, Walmart and Its Happy Face, Keeping Up with Kardashian\u2019s Trademark, Kashmir Saffron Filed for GI and more, brought to you by the Trademark Attorneys at BananaIP (BIP) Counsels.<\/p>\n
\u201cA brand is a voice and a product is a souvenir.\u201d \u2013 Lisa Gansky<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
INTERESTING BRAND NEWS<\/h2>\n
Walmart\u2019s Happy Face<\/h3>\n
Though the smiley face has been around since the 1970s, this didn\u2019t stop the world\u2019s largest retail major Walmart from applying for a trademark for their yellow smiley face in 2006. \u00a0However, Walmart was not successful in receiving a registration for the same.<\/div>\nINDIAN TRADEMARK UPDATES<\/h2>\n
Monte Carlo and Skoda Reach Trademark Settlement<\/h3>\n
Monte Carlo Fashions, an apparel retailer and garment manufacturer based out of India has entered into a trademark settlement agreement with the automobile major Skoda Auto allowing the latter to use the trademark \u2018Monte Carlo\u2019 for its cars. After Skoda launched the \u2018Monte Carlo\u2019 edition of its Rapid sedan in August 2017, Monte Carlo Fashions had filed a trademark infringement suit before the High Court of New Delhi. However, both the parties decided to settle the issue amicably and Skoda acquired a license to use the trademark \u2018Monte Carlo\u2019 for its cars, spare parts and car accessories.<\/div>\nINTERNATIONAL TRADEMARK UPDATES<\/h2>\n
Keeping Up With Kardashian\u2019s Names<\/h3>\n
The Kardashians are in a frenzy to trademark their kids\u2019 names. The Kardashian sisters, Kim, Khloe as well as Kylie have filed a number of applications with the USPTO to trademark the names of their children. Saint, North, Chicago West, children of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, True Thompson, Khloe Kardashian’s daughter as well as Stormi Webster, Kylie Jenner’s daughter, have been filed as trademarks. The filings are in numerous classes covering accessories and toys, entertainment, clothing as well as non-medicated skin care preparations. The new trademarks if granted, will surely help the children follow the footsteps of their famous parents.<\/div>\nBreweries Say Cheers and Settle<\/h3>\n
Three Daughters Brewing (3DB), a brewery based in Florida, USA, has reached a settlement with Saugatuck Brewing Co., a West Michigan based brewery for alleged trademark infringement. 3DB had filed a trademark infringement suit against Saugatuck, claiming that the packaging of the crafted beer Oval Beach Blonde Ale sold by them was confusingly similar to Three Daughters Brewing\u2019s Beach Blonde Ale. 3DB had claimed $75,000 in damages and had sought a permanent injunction based on the similarity in the design and packaging of the beer bottles. However, the matter has been settled amicably between the two breweries. Saugatuck has been given the option to redo the packaging of the beer bottles without changing the name of the beer.<\/div>\nBRAND LICENSING UPDATES<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Ironman Triathlon Licensing in India<\/h3>\n
LicenseWorks, a strategic brand licensing agency in India has partnered with IRONMAN Triathlon (the ultra-marathon event), a Wanda Sports Holding company, to extend the Ironman, Iron Girl, and Iron Kids brands in India across all categories like apparel, footwear, fitness equipment and healthy food alternatives. IRONMAN Triathlon is one of the top global licensors and its most notable partnership has been the successful launch of the Timex IRONMAN watch in 1986.<\/div>\nGEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION UPDATES<\/h2>\n
Kashmir Saffron GI<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Saffron, one of the prized and costliest spices in the world is predominantly cultivated in the State of Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmir’s saffron is known for its intrinsic characters primarily because of its strong colors and flavor. Saffron finds use in the perfumery and cosmetic industries, besides being the most sought after additive in the foods industry. The application was filed by The Agriculture Production Department, Jammu and Kashmir in December, 2018.<\/p>\n
BANANAIP TIP OF THE WEEK<\/strong><\/h2>\n
One does not need a trademark registration to oppose the trademark of another.\u00a0 As long as a trademark is in continuous use, the application of another for a same or similar mark, can be opposed as it will cause consumer confusion if granted.<\/p>\n