A new year has started and we pinpoint three important trends in the trademark and intellectual protection world:
Increased interest to protect intellectual property through registered trademarks.
The last decade analysts saw a marked increase of trademark filings. Approximately, 7 million trademark applications were filed worldwide in 2016, which represent 16.4% more than in 2015, reaching a new high each following year.
There are now almost three times as many trademark applications being filed around the world than in 2001 and the trend is likely to be maintained in the next decade.
You do not need to be an expert to note this trend. Just last year, Prince Harry and the Duchess Megan (Markle) filed and obtained a registered trademark for their new foundation Sussex Royal in the UK. Yes, even the royal family files for trademarks.
The trademark Sussex Royal covers a good list of goods and services including books, magazines, apparel, charity campaigns, etc. You can read more about this news here.
Influencers will trademark their influence
The advertising power of the “influencers” has grown exponentially in the last 2 years and it’s being noticed by their mostly young followers.
Many of them are discovering and then learning about intellectual property and the sub-theme of trademarks and the importance of this tool for their future as influencers, especially those who aspire to be influencers.
Read here this blog about an influencer story.
Trademark related scams will continue and increase
Unfortunately, some will attempt to take advantage of companies and individuals filing trademarks and other forms of intellectual property.
In the United States, the Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) files are public, and they are exploited by individuals seeking to make a quick buck conning trademark owners.
Trademark owners will continue to receive solicitations to have trademark owners pay to be added to worthless “lists” or online directories.
We already alerted our readers about this worrisome trend. Read more details following this link.
All legit communications come from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), a USA government agency with the URL @USPTO.gov. Read more about scams and misleading notices here.
China will continue to top trademark and IP filings
China will keep leading the pack of the top 5 nations filing and acquiring the most trademarks worldwide, and all types of intellectual property such as patents, in spite of their fame as IP infringers.
This speaks volumes on the value that aggressive business environments place on intellectual property protections and owning IP before someone else does.
Disruptive Businesses Will Challenge IP and Trademark Laws
Businesses disruptive of traditional markets, creating new ways to deliver products and services, for example, will challenge traditional models of Intellectual Property and Trademark law.
This is the case of the fragrance subscription business which re-packages perfume in small sample-size portions while the brand creators decry this model as a violation of their intellectual property.
Many of these disruptors will take their cases to court, setting new precedents.
Ready to protect your intellectual property? Attorney Marcos E. Garciaacosta can help you through all the stages from planning and prioritizing, searching and filing the trademark(s).
Call us for an appointment at (480) 324-6378.