Welcome to your Sunday recap of the week’s most important developments in trademark and brand protection.

From global policy developments to innovative enforcement strategies, here’s what shaped the IP landscape this week.

This Week’s Must-Read

AI shopping tools: ChatGPT and Chinese rival e-commerce risks (7 August)

As AI platforms integrate shopping functions, brands face fresh challenges in protecting their intellectual property.

In-House Perspectives

Rockit’s general counsel on defeating “sophisticated” China counterfeits (5 August)

The miniature apple brand’s top lawyer shares lessons from a trade dress win in China.

From the Courts

Influencers among top plaintiffs driving US trademark dispute surge (8 August)

Data analysis finds seven of the top 10 trademark plaintiffs in H1 2025 were female lifestyle influencers, as filings remain on track for a nine-year high.

Supreme Court principles for protecting non-traditional marks in Türkiye (5 August)

A number of Supreme Court rulings set important precedents for protecting non-traditional marks.

Brand Protection Intelligence

Penn State’s royalty-free FOR THE KIDS agreement (7 August)

A legal challenge to Pennsylvania State University’s FOR THE KIDS registration has ended with an innovative royalty-free licensing framework.

AI adoption reaches “critical mass” in IP, but sticking points remain (5 August)

A new report looks at the integration of AI into trademark and broader IP practice, revealing significant opportunities and concerns.

Apple v Apple Cinemas; NFL infringement claim; Meta DMCA dispute (8 August)

Our weekly news digest includes Cartier imitations and stronger inspections of counterfeit Labubu products.

Government & Policy

Founder of new US bar association calls for greater platform liability (6 August)

The Strategic Alliance for Fair E-commerce aims to crack down on offshore IP infringers flooding US online marketplaces, as lawyers call for federal legislation.

Navigating the Madrid Protocol in Africa (7 August)

A strategic combination of international registrations and national or regional filings is often required to ensure strong protection across the continent. 

New administrative sanctions against counterfeit medical devices in Türkiye (6 August)

Steep administrative fines for counterfeit medical devices signal a tougher stance on IP enforcement and a stronger commitment to safeguarding public health.

Brazil fast-track trademark service; DKPTO support scheme update; Türkiye filings (6 August)

Our weekly IP office updates see India and the UK signing a two-year cooperation plan, and CIPO ending accelerated examination for picklist applications.

Maldives trademark bill; Thailand takedowns; US Block BEARD Act (4 August)

WTR’s monthly legislation watch tracks major policy developments from around the world.

Don’t Miss Out

Join WTR in São Paulo for Latin America’s premier IP summit (9 August)

The programme is live for WTR and IAM’s world-class regional event.

Case Law & Legal UpdatesThe strategic role of bad faith and notoriety in nullity actions against confusingly similar trademarks (Ecuador)An IMPOSSIBLE appeal? General Court finds no likelihood of confusion (European Union)Glaxo’s 3D mark for inhaler shape: decade-long invalidity proceedings, five decisions – and still pending (European Union)Numerical trademark tussle: LIV.52 prevails over LIV-333 before Delhi High Court (India)Swiss company Wenger unsuccessful in dispute over Swiss flag-like sign (Japan)Introduction of two new copyright instruments – what you need to know (Nigeria)VEGAP v MANGO: transformation of works of art into NFTs constitutes copyright infringement (Spain)Confiscation of manufacturing equipment: a major deterrent for counterfeiters (Türkiye)Trademark appeal dismissed following issues related to AI use (United Kingdom)Federal Circuit not COMFY with jury’s trademark infringement verdict (United States)