Trump Urges SC Stay Out of Copyright Dispute between Google & Oracle

Trump Urges SC Stay Out of Copyright Dispute between Google & Oracle

The Trump administration recently urged the Supreme Court (SC) to stay out of a long-running Copyright Infringement dispute between Google and Oracle Corporation, dealing a remarkable blow to Google’s efforts to evade an $8 billion damages award.

The dispute billed as the copyright battle of the decade is related to software interfaces known as API declarations, which are shorthand commands facilitating prewritten complex computer functions. As per the plaint, Google used a trove of Oracle-owned Java API declarations while building its Android smartphone operating system (OS).

The Trump administration brief stated that Google copied over 11,500 lines of computer code verbatim as well as the complex structure inherent in that code to develop its competing commercial product. The record also demonstrates that Google’s unauthorized copying has harmed the market for Oracle’s Java platform.

In 2010, Oracle acquired Sun Microsystems, which originally developed the API declarations. Soon after, Oracle sued Google in federal court for patent and copyright infringement claiming that Google impermissibly copied its API declarations. The litigation continued for years, but then Google questions the SC ‘whether or not APIs are copyrightable in the first place.’ In Google’s view, APIs are a method of operation as they help developers to access prewritten complex functions and according to the Federal Copyright Act, Copyright Protection doesn’t extend to ‘methods of operation.’

Google firstly explained that the API declarations make developers learn how to access the prewritten functions to perform tasks by implementing codes. It then added that in this respect, the APIs are analogous to rules developers are trained to follow while writing programs in Java language, and if these rules were changed, the prewritten methods would not work. That’s why the declarations are a necessary part of operating the libraries of prewritten codes.

The Trump administration disagreed by saying that the APIs cannot count as a method of operation just because they perform functions.

The government said that although there are conditions in which all computer codes appear as a method of operating a computing device, and the Copyright Act makes it clear that the computer codes can obtain copyright protection.

Giving the federal government’s views remarkable credence, the justices at the SC ask for its guidance about whether or not to take the case. Nevertheless, Google contends the federal pleas courts are split as to if copyright protections reach software interfaces such as APIs. The justices are more likely to take case emphasizing questions of law over which several courts disagree.

Google prevailed at the first trial of the case in 2012, where a jury deadlocked over Oracle’s claims, prompting the judges therein to sign with Google. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, a court for patent appeals, changed that decision and ordered another new trial in 2014. Google petitioned the Federal Circuit’s ruling to the SC, but they turned its request down in 2015.

In the second trial followed in 2016, a jury sided with Google on finding its use of API declarations as fair use. Nonetheless, the Federal Circuit reversed that verdict, stating Google had not involved in fair use, and forwarded the case to a lower court for a trial on damages. As that decision is still pending before the SC, the judges asked the Trump administration to weigh in on the supplication on April 29. For more visit: https://www.trademarkmaldives.com

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Uganda Government Bans Red Beret, the Opposition’s Trademark

Uganda Government Bans Red Beret, the Opposition’s Trademark

Uganda government on 30th September 2019 designated the red beret and tunic as official military clothing that could put the civilians who wear them behind bars, thus permanently preventing the public from wearing the uniform of the leading opposition leader Bobi Wine and his supporters.

Bobi Wine, the pop star who upturned as a leading opposition figure has announced that he is running for the president position against longtime leader Yoweri Museveni in 2021 and has made the red beret his signature, calling it a “symbol of resistance.”

The beret, which is also worn by some soldiers, was incorporated in Uganda’s first ever gazette of all military clothing, stating that members of the public who found in possession of the items are liable to punishment involving imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years.

Richard Karemire, the army spokesman of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in a statement said that the dress code for the UPDF is gazetted. The action was supported by the army’s top authorities, which also endorsed the dress committee for concluding the task allotted to it years back.

He added that it demonstrates the commitment to define the identity and outlook of a trained army as well as adhering to a single East African Community (EAC) protocol.

‘People Power’ Reacts

However, Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, did not comment on the new rules as he is out of the nation, but a leader in his “People Power” movement, which is yet to register as a political party, announced that they would not end wearing the specific clothing.

The “People Power” is not limited to just a red beret; instead, it is more influential than their symbol. They are a part of the booming political movement fighting for the future of Uganda, and they will continue their struggle for democracy.

Bobi Wine has disturbed the Ugandan government and authorities who see him as an overwhelming threat to put an end to Yoweri Museveni’s more than three decades in power.

Ivan Boowe, the youth leader, said that they would continue to wear the revolutionary red berets and tunic.

He added that no intimation could make them afraid and prevent exercising their rights. By designating their trademark/dress code as official military wear, the government is making attempts to ban the People Power Movement, but they are ready to face and respond to any action the government takes. For more visit: https://www.trademarkmaldives.com

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5 Things Startups Must Know About Intellectual Property Law

5 Things Startups Must Know About Intellectual Property Law

The driving force behind almost every startup is the novel idea or product with which it enters into the market. Putting this idea or product into practice correctly and securely is what transforms small startups into million-dollar corporations. For this reason, startups should have a well-protected Intellectual Property (IP) strategy, which acts as a significant aspect of their competitive advantage and attractiveness to consumers as well as investors. In this way, IP is an asset that can enhance the commercial value of your businesses, and Intellectual Property Protection is what secures the IP intended to grow your startup. Besides attracting investors, suppliers, consumers, and more, IP protection can put legal checks on your competition by preventing others from infringing on and profiting from your unique assets. So if you want to achieve success in today’s competitive market, it is crucial to obtain robust IP protection for your assets. The first thing that you should do in this regard is to be aware of the five vital components of Intellectual Property Law.

Five Significant Things about Intellectual Property Law

  1. Types of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs)

In general, startups seek protection for their inventions, logos, software, and business names. Based on this, intellectual property for startups includes a wide range of IPRs like trademarks, patents, trade secrets, and copyrights. Each of these different types of rights applies to a specific class of assets. For instance, patents protect inventions and ideas, copyrights safeguard software and creative works, trademarks secure brand names, logos, and symbols that are capable of distinguishing one’s business from others. Trade secrets work when your company comes up with a ‘secret’ manufacturing approach that provides you a competitive advantage over your competitors.

  1. How to Sell Intellectual Property

Do you want to sell your startup? It is advisable to consult an experienced IP attorney as, nowadays, when many companies purchase startups based on their IP portfolios, it is common to face issues regarding the proper ownership of IP. Hence, to avoid glitches that may leave you with a comparatively lower valuation than what you deserve, emphasize signing any dotted line under the supervision of a skilled lawyer.

  1. How to Address Intellectual Property Agreements

If your startup’s intellectual property has been stolen, copied, modified, or used in any other manner without your permission, you can get monetary compensation depending on the severity of the infringement. In the present times, federal courts of every country have specific jurisdictions related to Copyright Infringement, Patent Protection, etc. That’s why if someone has stolen your IP and uses it for his benefits, be ready to deal with him legally. First of all, contact the offender through a cease and desist letter, which should address the following:

  • What got infringed,
  • The protections in place,
  • The severity of the infringement,
  • The remedial actions that unauthorized user should take,
  • The legal actions that you expect if the infringer fails to comply.
  1. International Intellectual Property Protections

Nearly every country possesses different IP laws associated with How to Patent an Invention, Brand Name Registration, etc. For example, In China, the government emphasizes ‘first-to-file’ rule, i.e., it doesn’t care about who is the first creator of a product; instead, it focuses on who is the first to File a Trademark Application. Hence, before proceeding towards international markets, you should familiarize yourself with the unique trade secret, trademark, and Patent Laws in such countries. Having insight into the country-specific laws at the beginning of the process will help you in preventing the hike in expenses and complexity at the time of applying for an International Trademark, Patent, Copyright, and more.

  1. Legal Counsel

In today’s challenging era where businesses never hesitate to put obstacles in the path of one another’s success, there is an enormous need to enter into the marketplace with robust IP protection. Hiring a legal counsel having years of experience in this industry is one of the best ways to safeguard your IP. Apart from providing the beneficial guidelines regarding Application Processes, Patent Search, and more, a proficient IP attorney can help you in identifying ‘gray areas’ that may attract lawsuits, government investigations, etc. Assuredly, many startups find it expensive to hire legal representatives. If you are also not having sufficient money, then don’t worry as the advent of some programs to alleviate these expenses has made it easier to secure your IP with a limited budget.

Stay Ahed

Whether you are having an idea for a startup or already running one, getting your intellectual property protections in place is the foremost thing you should consider to lay the foundation of your future success. Nonetheless, as nearly every startup and even established businesses are running in the same race, it is imperative to stay ahead of others by being quick in regards to expanding nationally and internationally earlier rather than later. Don’t forget that the delay on your part can enable your competitors to push you behind them.

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How to Select a Mark that Keeps Infringement at Bay?

How to Select a Mark that Keeps Infringement at Bay?

Has your company just come up with an exciting new product that appears to interest the people to purchase it? Well, congratulations as this could be the product that can serve the potential buyers with what they have been looking for years, and ultimately, you with more customers and better sales. However, your competitors, including companies, entrepreneurs, etc., may not like this and make attempts to pull you down by infringing on your newly launched well-doing product or service. Hence, it is essential to commence extracting the profits with the help of that product or service after securing it as your Intellectual Property (IP). In terms of securing your unique and useful asset under Intellectual Property Protection, trademarks prove to be the best source that can prevent unauthorized users from making profits by using your IP. In general, trademarks refer to the recognizable words, logos, symbols, etc., that identify and distinguish the product and services of one source from those of others. In the present IP industry, there are five types of trademarks that you can obtain and use to safeguard your valuable assets from the infringers. Let’s proceed further to have deep insight into all these vital marks and thus, make a fair decision on which will best suit your needs.

Strong Marks to Discourage Trademark Infringement

  1. Fanciful Marks

 Fanciful marks refer to the trademarks that reveal nothing about the product yet are significant as they enable the customers to remember your mark/ product, irrespective of how many competitors are attempting to pull you down. Famous as made-up words, these marks have no significance except being a trademark for the proprietor’s specific products or services. Fanciful marks are enforceable against the use of the same or a similar mark leading to the trademark infringement. Some common examples of such trademarks include VERIZON telecommunication services, GOOGLE computer search engines, and ROLEX watches.

  1. Arbitrary Marks

 Arbitrary marks also don’t tell anything regarding the products or services but appear more significant than fanciful ones if we talk about the same type of items. These marks can be a real word, image, or logo used to recognize unrelated and different products or services. Though arbitrary marks don’t have much scope of enforceability like fanciful marks, yet they provide outstanding trademark protection, and this is why brands often prefer protecting their assets under this category of marks. For example, the term APPLE might not be enforceable against someone using the mark APPLE CAFÉ, but if he uses the Apple Logo to display the term APPLE, then the mark would be enforceable against him. Some examples of arbitrary marks include APPLE computers, HARD ROCK restaurants, and QUAKER cereal.

  1. Suggestive Marks

 These marks give details about the services and products. They make the world familiar with what the specific product is, how it works, etc., but without describing it thoroughly. As per the Trademark Law, suggestive marks often exist as words, group of words, or graphic logos and are enforceable only in case of the same or similar marks on the same or similar products. FRESH ‘N CLEAN pet shampoo, CITIBANK financial services, and TOTAL cereal are some well-known examples of suggestive marks.

  1. Descriptive Marks

 As the name indicates, descriptive marks describe a particular product or service. They explain many things about the product or service, including what the product is, what it does, its quality, features, function, and more. Note that these marks don’t have proprietary rights and are neither enforceable nor protectable. Are you planning to File a Trademark Application to secure your asset with a descriptive mark? It is better to understand that people can use your mark in whole or part, either as a descriptive term in their text or the name of their products or services. Some Registered Trademarks that fall under this category covers PARK ‘N FLY airport parking service, COMPUTERLAND computer stores, and RAISIN BRAN cereal.

  1. Generic Marks

Generic marks, also known as genericized trademarks signify a name or mark that because of its popularity and importance has become a common name for a general class of service or product, usually against the trademark holder’s intentions. Generic marks are not the trademarks. They are nouns that are modified by the registered trademarks. Famous terms like APPLE computers, GEICO insurance services, and STARBUCKS coffee are examples of generic marks. Having strong marks is the best way to secure your valuable assets under the shield of powerful Intellectual Property Right (IPR), like a trademark. Stronger is the mark, more are the probabilities that it can be enforced against unauthorized use. Strong marks are comparatively less susceptible than weak marks to legal issues, whether you are filing a Trademark Application or carrying out a Trademark Registration Process. Hence, it is recommended even by the IP attorneys that whenever you come up with a new product, don’t forget to secure it with a strong trademark. For more visit: https://www.trademarkmaldives.com

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Thiruvananthapuram: TDB Bids to Get Patents for Its Temple Prasadams

Thiruvananthapuram: TDB Bids to Get Patents for Its Temple Prasadams

The Travancore Dewaswom Board (TDB) is seeking to get patents for its temple prasadams, including Ambalapuzha Palpayasam, Sabarimala Aravana, and Kottarakara Unniyappam.

TDB’s president A Padmakumar said that they have decided to obtain a patent cover for their iconic temple prasadams following a report pointing some people who had not just tried to make counterfeit Ambalapuzha Palpayasam but also sold it to gain profits illegally. Obtaining a patent will prevent unauthorized producers and sellers from fraudulently producing and selling the products under Ambalapuzha Palpayasam or a similar name.

He added that the board had put this step to determine the sale of false versions of its iconic temple prasadams as many catering agencies, bakeries, etc., are found to be involved in not only preparing the same or similar palpayasam but even claiming it to be the real Ambalapuzha Palpayasam. The CTB has commenced making legal moves to deal with the cheaters who are deceiving people by naming their prasadams as the popular Ambalapuzha Palpayasam. The law department already has been asked to assist the board with legal opinions to handle the case.

Mr. A Padmakumar further explained that it is for the first time in history when temple prasadams will be going to get secured under Patent Protection. The decision to get the patent rights has been made under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. As per this Geographical Indications Act (GI Act), which refers to a sui generis Act of the Parliament of India for better protection of Geographical Indications related to products in India, no one except the authorized user is allowed to use the name of a specific product.

Earlier this month, the TDB had initiated some legal measures against a bakery for allegedly preparing and marketing milk porridge in sealed packages under the Ambalapuzha Palpayasam. Besides bakeries, many marriage caterers and catering houses are discovered making profits by trading counterfeit palpayasam as Ambalapuzha Palpayasam, and the board has decided to act legally against them, said the president. The real prasadam is prepared, offered to the deity, and then distributed to the devotees at the temple. Lastly, he said that this is the first case where anyone is making efforts to get patents for the temple offerings. For more visit: https://www.trademarkmaldives.com

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EagleView Wins Intellectual Property Lawsuit

EagleView Wins Intellectual Property Lawsuit

EagleView, a technology provider of aerial imagery, geographic information system, and data analytics solutions, recently announced a significant legal decision revealing that Verisk Analytics, Inc. and Xactware Solutions, Inc., willfully infringed EagleView’s Intellectual Property (IP) and technological innovations.

26th September 2019’s jury verdict in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey confirms that Verisk and Xactware used EagleView’s technology and innovations without its consent and in violation of the U.S. Patent Law.

What’s the Case?

In late 2015, EagleView filed a lawsuit against Verisk and Xactware claiming that the two competitors are involved in the willful infringement of its patents encompassing some unique technologies. The filing was emphasized to hold Verisk and Xactware accountable for infringing EagleView’s technologies.

The jury favored EagleView on every issue has awarded it $125 million in damages. Besides, the Court has issued a temporary restraining order preventing defendants’ sale of Property InSight, Geomni Roof, Roof InSight, and Geomni Property, as well as, use or sale of Aerial Sketch version 2 after 25th September 2019. This order will be in effect until 8th October 2019, the date set by the Court for a hearing on a permanent injunction.

Rishi Daga, CEO of EagleView said that they understand the distraction their customers are encountering due to the ongoing lawsuit, and thank them for standing beside the company even when it was forced to safeguard its IP and technology in court. The recent decision enables them to continue serving the clients with superior customer services across insurance, energy, roofing, and government, and to look forward to driving innovation through data analytics derived from aerial imagery as well as bringing impactful solutions. EagleView will consult the affected customers to determine if the firm can assist them in any manner or customers can contact EagleView at https://www.eagleview.com/support/.

The jury found that the patents involved in this case were valid and amongst the more than 200 patents in the plaintiff’s portfolio. They also discovered that Verisk and Xactware had infringed the patents willfully, awarding $125 million to EagleView for damages due to past Patent Infringement.

Verisk and Xactware have repeatedly taken measures to prevent EagleView’s claims from reaching in the front of a jury trial, including attempts to invalidate EagleView’s claims in district courts and challenges to the plaintiff’s patents with the USPTO. EagleView succeeded in securing overwhelming victories at the USPTO, with 149 applications related to its patented technology comprehensively upheld after several appeals.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Walsh Pizzi O’Reilly Falanga LLP are the co-counsel represented EagleView at all levels of the lawsuit and relevant patent proceedings, including the recent IP trial win.

EagleView is emphasizing on transforming the way people work by bringing in the highest level of accuracy in today’s persistently changing world. It is expected that this win will help the company in achieving its goals. For more visit: https://www.trademarkmaldives.com

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What is the Difference between a Provisional Patent and a Permanent Patent?

What is the Difference between a Provisional Patent and a Permanent Patent?

Your invention is the result of your hard efforts, and you must not want anyone to make profits by using it or a similar one without your consent. Patent Registration is one of the most valuable sources, which empower you to prohibit others from using your unique and new ideas in today’s malicious era where issues like patent infringements are common. A patent, if granted, bestows you with not just the Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) to ensure the protection of your innovation but also a good reputation that attracts profits. However, to enjoy the full-fledged benefits of registering a patent, you must know about what a provisional patent is and how it differs from a permanent one.

Provisional Patent

It is imperative to note that there is nothing like a provisional patent in the present Intellectual Property (IP) industry. Nevertheless, a Provisional Patent Application is an introductory step towards the road of getting robust patent protection. Filing a provisional patent application is crucial as it allows the inventor to market his invention without any worry related to its theft and to continue with further development and patent operations. It is a legal document that provides an early filing date and gets transformed into a granted patent only when the applicant applies for a regular non-provisional patent.

Permanent Patent

The permanent patent provides the Patent Protection that prevents unlawful using, making, copying, and sharing of the same or similar invention. The permanent patent application is a techno-legal document that includes a description explaining the invention, disclosing the best-known procedures of carrying it out, and one or more assertions showing the scope of the invention.

Difference between Permanent and Provisional Patent

  • The foremost fact that establishes a difference between these two patents is cost. For instance, Filing a Provisional Patent application is cheaper in comparison to filing a permanent one and therefore, beneficial for individuals, companies, etc., that are available with a limited budget. Besides, provisional patent registration demands no legal necessities, which are compulsory in case of permanent patent registration.
  • By filing a provisional Patent Application, the inventor can secure his/her invention as soon as he/she creates it and along with the benefit of maintaining and supplementing that invention. It means this application allows you to continue working and making improvements in what you have invented even after filing it. Once done with the modifications in your invention, you can apply either for its permanent patent registration or another provisional patent associated with the same. On the other hand, filing of a permanent patent application provides no option to make changes or add any new subject matter to your invention. Therefore, if you want to protect what you have invented while working on its improvements, then it is essential to file a provisional patent application rather than a permanent one.
  • The role of the Patent Office is another remarkable aspect that differs provisional and permanent patent applications from each other. Patent Office doesn’t emphasize the provisional patent application until and unless the inventor files a permanent patent application that claims privileges and benefits of the priority under the provisional application filing. It means until and unless the inventor moves forward to permanent registration, there is no need for an additional fee associated with the Patent Attorneys or office. In other words, the provisional patent application enables you to lay the foundation for getting a patent, be benefitted with patent-pending, and preserve funds in the process, whereas permanent doesn’t.

Undoubtedly, provisional and permanent patents are quite different, but if used together, these two vital tools can secure your invention in the best and fastest possible way. Nevertheless, it is imperative to note that the provisional patent application remains pending at the Patent Office for a maximum of 12 months from the date of filing. So if an applicant files a provisional patent application, then he must apply for a corresponding permanent patent also within the twelve-month patent pendency duration of the provisional application. Why? It is essential to accomplish the Patent Process with ease and get comprehensive advantages of patenting an invention. For more visit: https://www.trademarkmaldives.com

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Want to Transfer Trademark Rights in India? Here’re the guidelines!

Want to Transfer Trademark Rights in India? Here’re the guidelines!

A trademark is one of the most exclusive and fastest evolving Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in India. Consisting of a recognizable sign, design, or expression, it identifies and differentiates the products or services of a source from those of others. Besides, it helps the brands in generating goodwill that attracts consumers towards them. Another remarkable fact why a trademark is the most preferred Intellectual Property is that the owner can transfer it.

Here, we will dive into the complete process of transferring the trademark rights in India.

As per the Indian Trademarks Act, 1999 that deals with all legal issues, terms, etc., around trademark, people who desire to transfer their trademark cando so by opting any of the two agreements: Trademark Assignment or Trademark Licensing.

(A) Trademark Assignment Agreement

It focuses on the legal way of transferring rights from the owner (assignor) to the willing third-party (assignee), which could be a company or an individual. Assignment of a trademark can be possible in the following two ways:

  • Complete Assignment:

Trademark rights refer to a bundle of several rights emphasizing ownership, use, process, share, etc., and a complete assignment of a trademark allows the transfer of all these rights from the assignor to the assignee. Once signed this assignment, the assignee can use, sell, and even distribute the mark without any fear of Trademark Infringement as the assignor no longer retains any right over the logo, brand, or anything else associated with it.

  • Partial Assignment:

Partial assignment of trademark permits the transfer of rights over particular products or services. It empowers the assignor to provide the willing party with his/ her rights while adding clauses that the assignee is entitled to use the rights related to only a few products. In other words, the assignee cannot use the trademark for any other products or services apart from those allowed by the assignor.

Step-wise Procedure for Trademark Assignment

  1. First of all, there is a need to make an application requesting the transfer of rights. The trademark assignment application can be made either by the assignor or assignee or jointly and should entail the terms and policies of transfer, details of both proprietor and assignee. Moreover, it must be in the format of FORM TM-P.
  2. After preparing the application, it’s the time to file it before the registrar. Emphasize doing so within six months of acquisition of proprietorship as delaying in filing can cost you payment of an additional fee.
  3. Obtain the permission of the Registrar. The case of transfer varies according to conditions, for example – is it the transfer with goodwill or of a Registered Trademark. In every case, it is mandatory to focus on the directions of the registrar before the expiry of the assignment. However, this period is of six months in India but extendable if the registrar allows.
  4. Advertise the assignment as per the registrar’s direction and submit copies of both advertisements and directions to the registrar.
  5. The registrar (if satisfied) with the application, all documents, and advertisement will transfer the said Trademark Protection from the original owner to the new proprietor. Once the name of the assignee gets registered with the registrar, the assignee can use the said trademark rightfully.

(B) Trademark Licensing Agreement

It emphasizes transferring a trademark in a restricted manner. In other words, trademark licensing doesn’t allow the transfer of full ownership over the trademark rights from the licensor (original owner) to the licensee (new owner).  Though a little bit restrictive yet licensing agreements benefit the licensor by broadening his market and increasing consumers, while the licensee with royalties accessible with the trademark.

Although the registration of a licensing agreement isn’t mandatory, it is advisable to do so. Why? Registering will enable the licensee to exercise the trademark without any fear of legal issues.

Procedure for Trademark Licensing

The process of registering the license agreement is quite similar to that of assignment agreement. Like the assignment agreement, the application for Trademark Registration and transfer under the license agreement should also be filed before the registrar within six months of the agreement made. Licensor, licensee or both can make the application in the format of TM-28 form. Once the registrar is satisfied with the application, documents, etc., he/ she will make an entry into his/her record register, including the date of filing the Trademark Application and other details. The entry states that both the licensor and licensee can use the desired trademark rights as per the terms of the license agreement.

With the consistent evolution and growth in the technologies and several industries, the concepts of IPRs like trademark are continuously changing. Trademark transferring is the correct approach that attracts profits for both the original right holder and the party willing to get the rights. Hopefully, this article will help you in having the benefits of such trademark transferring. So, understand your needs as well as the procedures and thus, go for the method of transferring the trademark rights that suits you. For more visit: https://www.trademarkmaldives.com

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Facebook Wants to Trademark the Term “Book”

Facebook Wants to Trademark the Term “Book”

Facebook Inc., one of the largest social media giants worldwide, has filed a Trademark Application for securing a trademark for the term ‘Book’ in Europe, after many years of successfully registering the generic words ‘Face’ and ‘Book’ in the United States.

Filed by Facebook in June 2019 with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), the application has been accepted by EUIPO and is presently under assessment, with a decision anticipated later. The ideology of trademarking such common words is to prevent the small and fledgling firms from using the name of established brands to offer products and services similar to the brands’ ones, thus confusing the customers and making false income on others’ names.

The application filed by Facebook holds a list of hundreds of relevant products and services such as electronic game software, software for modifying photographs, wearable peripherals for computers, and electronic radio components.

If the application gets approved, it will enable the word ‘Book’ that initially recognized as a traditional paper-based data storage format to join the terms, including Face, Wall, Poke, Like, the letter F, and a specific shade of blue in the big list. Moreover, the social media giant will start preventing its competitors from infringing on the word ‘Book’ – something that will not be an unimportant effort; but, undoubtedly within the power of Facebook and legitimate teams associated with it. Nevertheless, the bad news for Facebook’s competitors, especially fledgling and small companies is that the social media giant has proved to be very happy to chase and shut down the firms for perceived Trademark Infringement.

Although it may not be the adept time for Facebook to seek positive results in Europe, where the American giants incur a low amount of trust and goodwill, still the social media giant is consistently striving to complete its trademark collection as it has already got the word ‘face’ registered over a decade years ago, thus making it believable that its new application too will be granted.

In the US, several other terms in addition to ‘Facebook,’ – ‘Face’ and ‘Book,’ are now secured as Facebook’s Intellectual Property (IP), for example – ‘BOOMERANG,’ ‘F8,’ ‘LIKE,’ etc.

Facebook is not the only giant or company seeking to obtain Trademark Protection for generic words, for example – Ohio State University and fashion designer Mark Jacobs are too making efforts to be the first in getting a Registered Trademark for the term “THE” with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

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8 Steps to Prevent Unauthorized Use of Intellectual Property Online

8 Steps to Prevent Unauthorized Use of Intellectual Property Online

Your company’s Intellectual Property (IP), regardless of what it is or the form in which it is existing, is often more valuable than anything else. Hence, the security teams and IP executives of your firm must understand the need to keep these crucial assets safe against the rapidly emerging dark forces that are continuously trying to steal them. With the advancements in digital technologies, robbery and unauthorized use of inventive works like pictures, content, or other vital IPs have become very common. The unique online IP assets that are intended to gain followers and customers for your business if stolen and used by others can reduce your profits. Therefore, it is essential to legitimately prohibit others from infringing on your online intellectual property.

Steps to Protect your IP Online

Is somebody already using your work and thus, earning on your name? Don’t worry as the following steps will not only help you in dealing with unlawful use of your work but also reduce the possibilities of your IP’s theft in the future.

  1. Comprehending Copyright Law is Must: Your unique blog, picture, content, and video are your IP and get protected from the moment you create them. Undoubtedly, it means that no one can use the work without your permission, but many people (knowingly or unknowingly) still try to reproduce it. No matter what the reason is, people often try to steal and use your assets. Nonetheless, you can prevent them from doing so by using the copyright protection surrounding your work, but as different work is protected differently, there is a need to have a deep insight into copyright law. Besides, filing a wrong Copyright Infringement case can leave you with penalties, thus turning it more significant to comprehend the law.
  2. Issue an Official Copyright Notice: Such notices are one of the best means to prevent people from violating your work as it informs people that the particular work is your IP. Though these notices don’t grant additional protection or rights, yet putting them in your content can keep your work safe.
  3. Formulate an Easily Understandable Permission Policy: Create an explicit permission policy that provides clear statistics about how users can use your work. Tell them for what kind of use they need to take your permission and what they can use without seeking your consent. It will benefit you by making people consult you before using your content as well as by giving a published standard that you can refer to if anyone infringes your IP.
  4. Have insight into Users’ Intention: Not every person who re-posts your work does so to violate it. Some may do this as they are not aware of the law or the fact that the work is your IP. Moreover, a few may be using it just because they want to develop the interest of their target readers. Hence, be cautious and have an ideology about the users’ intention behind using your asset before taking any legal step.
  5. Request Removal of your Work: Many times, the users’ motives are not harmful, i.e., they are violating your Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) unknowingly. Even after executing the previously mentioned step, if you still come across such users, be kind to them and try not to suppress their enthusiasm. Send an email or put a comment informing them that they are unintentionally committing an illegal act. Furthermore, suggest them to get benefitted from your work by using it legally as per your permission policy.
  6. Turn Your Request into Demand: Are the users not responding to your request aptly? It’s time to be a little bit rigid and turn your request into demand. Send a demand letter or an email asking the users who are behaving as offenders to remove your copyrighted content from their site.
  7. Extract Benefits from Infringer’s Hosting Service: Are the offenders still not ready to cooperate? Carry out some searches and discover their WhoIs record. You can do this by utilizing the efficient tool named as DomainTools. The information gathered in this way will reveal their domain registration information, encompassing the details of the host of the website. Create an email, including statistics that why you want the offenders to remove your work from their website. The legitimate service on receiving your email will investigate the case, and if it discovers your request appropriate, then demand the offender to respond as you want. Nonetheless, if the infringers don’t act aptly, it will take their website down.
  8. Hire an Attorney-at-law: Do the service providers appear shady, incompetent, or offshore? Relax as it is not a new concern, many people suffer from the same one. At this instance, IP attorneys can serve you with relief by putting such nasty infringers out of your professional life. They can even proffer guidelines on How to Manage Intellectual Property, how to ensure effective IP Portfolio Review and Management, etc., to avoid similar worries in the future.

IP is the base of almost every business, and thus, no one can afford to lose these valuables in others’ hands. Hopefully, the steps in this article will prove beneficial in safeguarding your intellectual property online. So don’t miss out on these steps as not directly but undoubtedly they play a crucial role in your overall success. For more visit: https://www.trademarkmaldives.com

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