It’s all out in the wash: Henkel Australia Pty Ltd (Henkel) has successfully removed two dishwashing tablet trade marks owned by Reckitt Benckiser Finish BV (Reckitt) from the register.

In the recent Federal Court decision RB (Hygiene Home) Australia Pty Ltd v Henkel Australia Pty Ltd [2022] FCA 1042, Rofe J simultaneously overturned an interlocutory injunction against Henkel and declared that two trade marks for dishwashing tablets owned by Reckitt should be removed from the register for non-use.

Key takeaways for brand owners

1. Consider packaging designs carefully to determine what aspects are being used as a

A new law that makes it easier for people to sell homemade foods directly to consumers in South Dakota could expand business opportunities for small producers and increase product offerings at homes, farmers markets, fairs and roadside stands.

House Bill 1322 was passed unanimously by the state Legislature in 2022, and was signed into law by Gov. Kristi Noem. It took effect July 1, 2022.

The law aims to eliminate logistical and testing hurdles for people who want to sell certain homemade or home-produced foods, known as cottage foods. Proponents say it opens the way for more people to make

Another unfavorable decision on non-traditional trade marks has landed, now in relation to Dior’s iconic Saddle bag. The EUIPO’s Second Board of Appeal decided that Dior’s Saddle bag is not distinctive with respect to handbags. The decision is seen as surprising yet not unpredictable, given the recent history of unsuccessful trade mark applications for 3D signs (for example, see our previous article on the Moon Boot case here).

The Dior Saddle bag first appeared in the Spring 2000 ready-to-wear collection. The bag immediately became a much-wanted piece worn by many celebrities. After many years, it was brought back into the

In Singapore, the popular eatery “ENG’S Wonton Noodles” is known for its springy noodles, luscious wonton dumplings and fiery chilli sauce. Its popularity attracted more than S$1.6 million in revenue one year, but a fallout between the founder’s children and their business partners led to multiple disputes, including a dispute over trade mark rights to the “ENG’S” name in Pauline New Ping Ping v Eng’s Char Siew Wantan Mee Pte. Ltd. [2022] SGIPOS 10.

Ng Ba Eng (Eng) inherited the wonton noodle business from his father around 1962 and operated it with his son, Desmond Ng (Desmond

Images are eerily evocative of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol came out of Brazil as thousands of supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed government buildings in the capital of Brasilia on Sunday. According to The New York Timesprotesters breached Brazil’s Congress, presidential offices, and Supreme Court believing Bolsonaro’s baseless claims that the recent presidential election was stolen from him.

Hours later, authorities reported that the military police had regained control of Brasilia’s Three Powers Square, where the Presidential Palace, Congress, and the Supreme Court were located. Police

High-end outdoor clothing brand Patagonia Inc is taking on fast fashion retailer Gap for copying its “iconic” fleece jacket design. Patagonia Inc has filed court proceedings in the Federal Court.

In a complaint filed on 22 November 2022, Patagonia alleges that Gap willfully and deliberately copied the fleece design through the creation and sale of its “Mockneck Pullover” jackets, mimicking the flap pocket and rectangular logo of Patagonia’s classic “Snap-T” fleece jackets (shown below).

_{Images taken from Patagonia website at URL: www.patagonia.com and GAP website at URL: www.gap.com.}

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