News

19th Feb 2024

Introducing the new Spruson & Ferguson brand

Today, Spruson & Ferguson is proud to unveil our new brand. Our new brand builds on our position as a market leader in intellectual property services, and defines what will...

Today, Spruson & Ferguson is proud to unveil our new brand. Our new brand builds on our position as a...

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27th Feb 2024

Lord of the Wings trade mark refused in Middle-earth

Since the release of The Lord of the Rings film franchise in 2001, New Zealand has been synonymous with “Middle-earth”. New Zealand tourism and traders jumped on the Tolkien...

Since the release of The Lord of the Rings film franchise in 2001, New Zealand has been synonymous with...

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22nd Feb 2024

Spruson & Ferguson recognised in WTR 1000 2024

Spruson & Ferguson are pleased to once again be included in World Trademark Review's WTR 1000 2024, with four jurisdiction listings and nine recommended individuals featured. Spruson & Ferguson has...

Spruson & Ferguson are pleased to once again be included in World Trademark Review's WTR 1000 2024, with four...

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22nd Feb 2023

Spruson & Ferguson recognised in WTR 1000 2023

Spruson & Ferguson are pleased to once again be included in the WTR 1000 2023, with five jurisdiction listings and 10 recommended individuals featured. Spruson & Ferguson has been ranked...

Spruson & Ferguson are pleased to once again be included in the WTR 1000 2023, with five jurisdiction listings...

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28th Oct 2021

Who owns a nickname? AUNTY HELEN registration refused in New Zealand

James Craig Benson v Helen Elizabeth Clark NZIPOTM 6 Whether endearing or disparaging, Australians and New Zealanders have been giving each other nicknames for well over a century, and...

James Craig Benson v Helen Elizabeth Clark NZIPOTM 6 Whether endearing or disparaging, Australians and New Zealanders have been...

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28th Oct 2021

Biologische blocks Cresilon’s application to register TRAUMAGEL trade mark

Cresilon, Inc v Biologische Heilmittel Heel GmbH NZIPOTM 13 (23 June 2021) In this case, Biologische Heilmittel Heel GmbH (“Biologische”) succeeded in preventing the registration of the TRAUMAGEL trade...

Cresilon, Inc v Biologische Heilmittel Heel GmbH NZIPOTM 13 (23 June 2021) In this case, Biologische Heilmittel Heel GmbH...

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28th Oct 2021

JULES TAYLOR not confusingly similar to TAYLORS for wines other than ports

Jules Taylor Holdings Limited v Taylor, Fladgate & Yeatman Limited NZIPOTM 12 (9 June 2021) An existing registration for TAYLOR’S and awareness of this mark in New Zealand was...

Jules Taylor Holdings Limited v Taylor, Fladgate & Yeatman Limited NZIPOTM 12 (9 June 2021) An existing registration for...

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27th Jul 2021

Fit Revolution Pty Ltd v Amazon Europe Core S.a.r.l. [2021] ATMO 35

In this matter, a registration for was insufficient to prevent the registration of AMFIT NUTRITION. Amazon Europe Core S.a.r.l. applied to register the AMFIT NUTRITION trade mark in classes...

In this matter, a registration for was insufficient to prevent the registration of AMFIT NUTRITION. Amazon Europe Core S.a.r.l....

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27th Jul 2021

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG v Electracom Pty. Ltd. [2021] NZIPOTM7 (30 April 2021)

Electracom Pty Ltd (“Electracom”) sought to partially revoke (cancel) New Zealand Trade Mark No. 1017040 in the name of Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (“BMW”) on the basis of non-use. The...

Electracom Pty Ltd (“Electracom”) sought to partially revoke (cancel) New Zealand Trade Mark No. 1017040 in the name of...

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27th Jul 2021

Bianca-Moden GmbH & Co. KG v Bianca and Bridgett Pty Ltd [2021] ATMO 30 (15 April 2021)

In this case, prior registrations for BIANCA did not prevent the registration of the BIANCA AND BRIDGETT trade mark for the same goods. Bianca and Bridgett Pty Ltd filed an...

In this case, prior registrations for BIANCA did not prevent the registration of the BIANCA AND BRIDGETT trade mark...

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13th Apr 2021

Deceptive similarity in logo marks and the importance of early trade mark registration

PM-International AG v Jeunesse Global Holdings LLC ATMO 1 (5 January 2021) In the first Australian Trade Marks Office decision for 2021, Hearing Officer Debrett Lyons looked at deceptive...

PM-International AG v Jeunesse Global Holdings LLC ATMO 1 (5 January 2021) In the first Australian Trade Marks Office...

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13th Apr 2021

Mother of a trade mark dispute continues with removal of Energy Beverages’ registration

Energy Beverages LLC v Cantarella Bros Pty Limited ATMO 198 (21 December 2020) In the latest decision in an ongoing dispute, Cantarella Bros Pty Limited applied to remove the...

Energy Beverages LLC v Cantarella Bros Pty Limited ATMO 198 (21 December 2020) In the latest decision in an...

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24th Nov 2020

Australia: Bacardi & Company Limited v Dickinson Distribution Group Pty Ltd [2020] ATMO 117 (1 July 2020)

Bacardi & Company Limited, the owner of Bombay Sapphire Gin, recently tried to prevent the registration of the ROYAL BOMBAY PREMIUM LAGER trade mark for goods in class 32...

Bacardi & Company Limited, the owner of Bombay Sapphire Gin, recently tried to prevent the registration of the ROYAL...

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24th Nov 2020

Australia: Rolex SA v LG Display Co Ltd [2020] ATMO 136 (13 August 2020)

LG Display Co., Ltd applied to register the ROLED trade mark for a variety of goods in class 9 including “wrist mounted telecommunication machines and implements being watches”. Rolex...

LG Display Co., Ltd applied to register the ROLED trade mark for a variety of goods in class 9...

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