EDITOR'S NOTE
Welcome to the first edition of our refreshed Intellectual Property Newsletter. IP law rarely stands still, and the articles in this edition demonstrate just how broad, fast-moving and commercially significant the IP landscape has become. From artificial intelligence and celebrity image use, to trade mark disputes, patent litigation and competition issues touching upon IP, the common thread is the growing importance of getting the fundamentals right: protecting valuable rights, maintaining robust evidence, and ensuring commercial strategies are supported by appropriate legal frameworks.
Several featured cases highlight the courts’ continued focus on substance over assertion. Whether in the GHOST MARY trade mark opposition, easyGroup’s unsuccessful challenge to EASYFEET, or the dispute surrounding the PROSECCO designation, rights holders are reminded that reputation, confusion and commercial harm must be backed by compelling evidence. The Court of Appeal’s decision in Lifestyle Equities v Frasers Group also underlines the importance of properly documenting and registering licensing arrangements, while Up & Running v Deckers demonstrates the careful balance between brand protection and competition law compliance. Together, these developments reinforce that effective IP strategy extends beyond registration alone and must be embedded within wider commercial decision-making. We hope this newsletter provides useful practical insights into what these developments mean for your business.
Alan Harper, Editor
