Too famous to copy? Reputation-based objections and trademark rights
Sometimes a brand name is a legal weapon in itself. Good examples include Coca-Cola, Tesla, and Apple. These brand names are not just products, they have value and market power in their own right.
But what can a global brand owner do if someone in a completely different industry tries to trademark a similar mark to their name? If the brand name is well known enough, trademark law allows action even if the product range is completely different.
Explore what you need to know about reputation-based objections. In this article, we explain how this works in more detail.
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Major Changes to EU Design Law: What You Need to Know
The European Union has introduced a major reform to its design protection laws—bringing them in line with today’s digital-first world. If you create, own, or manage designs in the EU, especially ones that live online or in digital formats, this update is important.
The reform, led by the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), took effect on 1 May 2025 and includes new rules, fee structures, and broader protection for digital assets.
In this article, we’ll break down what’s changed, how much it costs, and why it matters—especially when it comes to filing new designs or renewing existing ones.
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Trademark Oppositions in Hungary: A Tactical Overview for Foreign Counsel
For IP law firms and corporate counsel managing international trademark portfolios, understanding the nuances of trademark opposition procedures in Hungary is critical.
As Hungary is part of the European Union and adheres to EU trademark regulations, it also maintains distinct national procedures that must be carefully navigated. Below is a tactical overview tailored to the needs of foreign attorneys involved in Hungarian trademark oppositions.
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AI-generated inventions and patent disclosure in Hungary
How to disclose inventions created using artificial intelligence? From the international office part, the message is clear. Disclosures should be more transparent when AI takes part in the invention process.
But what about the situation in Hungary? In this article, we summarise the most important facts. Well worth a read, because as a foreign applicant, failure to adapt can mean rejection, delays, and missed opportunities.
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Brand protection on Amazon and global marketplaces
Without proper brand protection, companies in global marketplaces often watch helplessly as counterfeiters, unauthorised resellers or competitors hijack their brand names and product lists.
Owning a brand is not enough in these digital battlegrounds, it must be proven. That's why marketplaces like Amazon only offer full brand protection tools and enforcement options to those with an officially registered trademark.
In this article, we explain the most important points to know and do for brand protection on global marketplaces.
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Protecting your patent in Hungary: Key considerations for innovators
Key points to be aware of regarding protecting your patent in Hungary. Patent holders often assume that international or European patent registrations are sufficient.
But without strategic validation and local enforcement steps, your invention could be left unprotected and exposed to infringement.
This article explains how to properly secure and maintain your patent rights in Hungary and offers practical insight into avoiding costly mistakes that many innovative businesses make when entering this market.
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How to protect your IP when expanding to Hungary
Expanding into Hungary without securing your intellectual property is like entering a new market without locking your front door.
While Hungary is part of the European Union and benefits from its harmonised IP system, many international businesses are caught off guard by the local nuances. From translation obligations to enforcement challenges, failing to plan your IP strategy early can lead to loss of rights, reputational damage, and unnecessary costs.
In this article, we break down the most important steps to protect your trademarks, patents, and designs when entering the Hungarian market.
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EPO-Laos Validation Agreement Takes Effect: A New Era for Patent Protection
The European Patent Office (EPO) and Laos have taken a major step toward strengthening international patent protection with the enforcement of their validation agreement on April 1, 2025. This milestone allows applicants to validate their European patents in Laos, granting them the same legal rights as patents issued by the EPO. By simplifying the patent process, this agreement fosters innovation, strengthens legal certainty, and enhances investment opportunities in Laos.
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