Igor Demcak

Trademark applications get refused all the time for various reasons. Sometimes your mark is dangerously similar to something that was already registered. Sometimes it mistakenly uses visual elements from someone else's logo. But oftentimes, your mark is deemed as "descriptive." In this article, we're going to be talking about what that means and how to avoid being marked as descriptive (especially if you're in the cosmetics industry).

In the world of entertainment, intellectual property isn't just a legal formality—it's the foundation of a media company’s business model. From blockbuster films and binge-worthy series to character-driven merchandise and licensing deals, the value of a brand often hinges on how well its trademarks are protected and enforced. Trademarks allow media giants to maintain creative ownership, fight off imitators, and capitalize on fan loyalty across global markets. In this article, we explore how leading companies like Netflix, Disney, and HBO use trademarks not only to defend their content, but to build billion-dollar empires around it.

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has suddenly took down a slick promo video about its new hardware venture called “io.” And no, the $6.5 billion deal with Ive hasn’t fallen apart. But a small company with a similar name — iyO — says OpenAI crossed a legal line.

By now, even if you don’t collect designer toys, you’ve probably seen Labubu — the spiky-haired, sharp-toothed creature who’s become the face of Pop Mart’s collectible empire. What’s less visible, though, is the clever trademark strategy behind Labubu’s meteoric rise. The story of this iconic toy serves as a masterclass in IP timing, territorial defense, and the surprising pitfalls of going global.

In the social media age, memes have become interwoven not just with internet culture, but culture as a whole. These comedic, often obscure images and short videos have become almost like a communicational tool between younger generations. It's no wonder then that memes which have achieved global popularity have also been trademarked, as their owners are seeking to capitalize on the mass appeal of the memes through merchandise and other commercial avenues.

If you're considering expanding into multiple markets, securing trademark rights in the relevant countries should be your #1 priority. Many businesses turn to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to simplify the process. And while it’s a sound option, there are important nuances, limitations, and strategic considerations you should understand before filing.

JP Morgan is making another move in the digital finance space. The banking giant filed a trademark application for “JPMD,” a potential signal of new developments in stablecoins or blockchain-based financial services. The filing adds to a growing trend of major institutions securing trademarks for digital asset offerings.

Over the years, some gaming companies have become notorious for strict and heavy-handed trademark enforcement. To the point where companies like Nintendo have damaged their reputation in order to properly protect their intellectual property. But there are numerous reasons why gaming companies have such a strong focus on IP protection—and greediness is not one of them. In this article, find out what makes trademarks so valuable in the gaming landscape.

Singapore has cultivated one of the most robust and efficient trademark systems in the world. This article provides an overview of trademark filing trends and success rates in Singapore, along with insights to help applicants improve their chances of registration success.

Bangladesh, an emerging South Asian economy with growing global trade ambitions, is actively developing its intellectual property framework to support innovation and brand protection. While the system is still evolving, understanding the current trends in registration success is crucial for prospective applicants.