In a February 24, 2025 Show Cause Order against Shenzhen Seller Growth Network Technology Co., Ltd. et al., the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) announced that about 42,000 trademark registration decisions might be vacated and the application or post-registration proceedings reopened for a new determination to be made. For an initial registration decision, the registration will be cancelled and restored to pendency under its application serial number. The reopened proceeding is a proceeding that may be subject to …
Category: Trademarks
CNIPA Rejects 63 Attempts to Maliciously Register DeepSeek Trademarks
On February 24, 2025, China’s National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) announced that it rejected 63 trademark applications attempting to maliciously register DeepSeek and graphic. CNIPA stated that, “some agencies are suspected of providing illegal services, with obvious intentions of ‘riding the wave’ and seeking improper benefits. CNIPA resolutely cracked down on such malicious applications.”
Michael Kors Scores 5 Million RMB Damages in Beijing Trademark and Unfair Competition Case
The Beijing Haidian Court announced on December 23, 2024 that it ruled for Michael Kors against three unnamed defendants. The Court awarded 5 million RMB for trademark infringement of the MK trademark, unfair competition, and reasonable expenses. The Court also awarded an injunction. No appeal was filed rendering the judgement final.
Guangdong High People’s Court: Design Protection Remains After Design Patent Expiration
In recent decision (2023)粤民终 4882 号 somewhat analogous to common law trade dress, China’s Guangdong High People’s Court affirmed that a design can still be protected under the Anti-Unfair Competition Law even after a corresponding design patent has expired. The Court held that the design of the Casio GA-110 series watches constitutes a product design with a certain influence that is protected by the Anti-Unfair Competition Law.