Trademark News Headlines: Haldiram’s Acquires 100 Crore Franchise, Tom Brady’s Trademark Denied Registration, Miniso Enters Marvel Galaxy, 5 Mizo Shawls Gets GI Tag and more, brought to you by the Trademark Attorneys at BananaIP (BIP) Counsel.
INDIAN TRADEMARK UPDATES
TITAN Wins Counterfeit Battle
Titan Company Limited filed a trademark infringement suit against counterfeit sellers, and Snapdeal, an online e-commerce player, alleging the sale of counterfeit/infringing Fastrack branded watches on their website. It is also alleged that Snapdeal did not take down various listings despite being notified by Titan. The Delhi High Court passed an ex-parte ad-interim injunction restraining the sellers from marketing, selling or dealing with goods bearing the marks TITAN and FASTRACK of Titan. The High Court further directed Snapdeal to take down the products from its webiste within 24 hours of the said order.
INTERNATIONAL TRADEMARK UPDATES
Adidas Strikes J Crew Over Trademark Infringement
Adidas, the multinational sports products manufacturer, has filed an opposition against a trademark application filed by American apparel retailer the J.Crew Group. The retailer had filed a trademark application with the USPTO containing five stripes. Adidas opposed claiming that the trademark infringes on its famous three stripes logo. Currently a sixty day suspension period has been granted to the parties to settle the dispute outside of court.
Tom Brady’s Trademark Denied Registration
Tom Brady, one of the most successful and recognized National Football League (NFL) players in the US, seems to have hit a road bump with his filing for the mark ‘Tom Terrific’. The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in an initial office action, has denied registration to the mark. The mark has been filed by the football player for T-shirts and trading cards. The USPTO while rejecting the application has stated that the trademark applied for “consists of or includes matter which may falsely suggest a connection with Tom Seaver”, a retired American baseball player. However, this is not a final denial by the USPTO, Brady has six months time to respond to the objections raised.
BRAND LICENSING UPDATES
Miniso Enters Marvel Galaxy
Miniso, the Chinese retail giant is all set to launch its new Marvel inspired collection. Miniso India has collaborated with the Marvel Studios and is launching everyday products inspired by characters of the Marvel universe such as Spider-man, Captain America, Iron Man, Hulk, Captain Marvel, Thor and Black Widow. The collection consists of a variety of products including sippers, car fresheners, hand towel, scent diffusers, travel gear, mugs, bags, etc. The collection has already been launched in countries such as China, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Myanmar, Sri Lanka.
PUMA Sprints for Dutee Chand
Puma, the German athletics and footwear manufacturer, has signed Indian sprinter Dutee Chand to a two year endorsement deal. The deal with Puma is the young athlete’s first ever exclusive brand association, and she will be joining the likes of Usain Bolt and Mary Kom. Dutee Chand recently made headlines by clinching a gold medal at the World University Games.
FRANCHISING UPDATES
Haldirams Acquires Coffee Bean & Gelato Franchises
Haldiram Bhujiawala has acquired the Indian franchise for the café chain The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and the ice cream chain, Gelato Italiano, from private equity fund Everstone Capital for about Rs 100 crores. The Kolkata based company has acquired 89 outlets as part of this deal. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is one of the oldest American coffee chains and was founded in 1963. It has a 1000 outlets in 29 countries and 26 outlets in India alone. Gelato Italiano is a gelato based ice cream brand with over 78 outlets spread across seven cities in India. This franchise deal will aid Haldiram Bhujiawala achieve a pan-India presence.
GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION UPDATES
5 Mizo Shawls Gets GI Tag
The Geographical Indications Registry has granted the GI tag to five Mizo traditional shawls or wraparounds which are namely, Hmaram, Ngotekherh, Tawlhlohpuan, Pawndum and Mizo Puanchei. Hmaram and Ngotekherh varieties are worn on special occasions, whereas Tawlhlohpuan is said to have the most cultural significance among the Mizo puan (traditional dress) which is worn only by courageous warriors among the Mizo men as a symbol of their bravery before going to a war. Pawndum is a traditional shawl worn at funeral to indicate lamentation or mourning; and lastly Mizo Puanchei is said to be the most colourful and popular among the Mizo shawls and is usually wrapped around the waist. The Applications were filed in 2017 by the Art and Culture Department, Government of Mizoram.
Authored and compiled by Shreya Chaddha & Uma T.S
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