The aim the Directive is to create a new minimum level of protection for trade secrets across the EU, and in particular to prohibit the “unlawful acquisition, disclosure and use of trade secrets”.
Continue Reading Protection of Trade Secrets Reformed
Intellectual Property
Irish pottery designs subject of US proceedings
By Alison Quinn on
Posted in Intellectual Property
A US based Irish pottery designer, trading as Kara Irish Pottery, has initiated proceedings in Massachusetts against Belleek Pottery and it US subsidiary claiming infringement of her designs. Kara Irish Pottery, with offices in Derry City and Boston, is claiming that Belleek Pottery has been "palming off" its products as its own despite allegedly using Kara Irish Pottery designs.
In court documents filed in late December, the plaintiff claims that her trademarked designs on her pottery reflect "unique and distinctive element of Celtic art and culture". Continue Reading Irish pottery designs subject of US proceedings
Festive Battle in the High Court
By Alison Quinn on
Posted in Intellectual Property
Zatori Results Limited, an online retailer, has initiated High Court proceedings against Shop Direct Ireland Limited, trading as Littlewoods Ireland, seeking a High Court injunction preventing the defendant from selling their version of a Christmas jumper. They are also seeking damages for alleged infringement of its unregistered design rights, with sales of their jumper down 75% compared with sales in 2012.
The jumper in question was initially designed and sold by the Plaintiff in 2012 and became a commercial success, being one of the top selling Christmas jumpers on Amazon. Their design features a snowman, Christmas trees and stars on a navy blue background, similar to the alleged infringing jumper being sold by the Defendant.Continue Reading Festive Battle in the High Court
Waterford Blaa Rises Above The Rest
By Alison Quinn on
Posted in Intellectual Property
Waterford sampled success this week when it obtained the European Union’s Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for its unique "Blaa" bread rolls. The floury favourite (which reportedly dates back to the 1690s Huguenot bakers) has risen through the ranks to join other culinary delights such as Parma Ham, Feta cheese and Cornish pasties at this level of legal protection. A PGI denotes a link with an area in at least one of the stages of production, processing or preparation. Waterford’s acquisition of a PGI for Blaa means this specific type of bread can only be called by its famous name if made in the south eastern county. Continue Reading Waterford Blaa Rises Above The Rest
Copyright Review Committee Report Published
By John Cahir on
Posted in Copyright, Intellectual Property
Last week, the Copyright Review Committee (the Committee) published its long-awaited report aimed at reducing barriers to innovation in the digital environment. The Committee was set up in 2011 and tasked with the job of developing proposals for legislative reform in the contentious area of copyright law. Continue Reading Copyright Review Committee Report Published
The Colour Purple Is No Longer A Grey Area….
By Kate Gorey on
Posted in Intellectual Property
“to allow a registration so lacking in specificity, clarity and precision of visual appearance would offend against the principle of certainty”…
Continue Reading The Colour Purple Is No Longer A Grey Area….
Government Proposals to amend the Patents Act 1992
By Kate Gorey on
Posted in Intellectual Property
The aim of the new proposal is to broaden the scope of the research exemption in the Act to include all studies, tests, experiments, clinical and field trials…
Continue Reading Government Proposals to amend the Patents Act 1992
What’s in a name? Singer sues RTÉ for use of his name
By Kate Gorey on
Posted in Intellectual Property, Media
A singer/songwriter is suing RTÉ and comedian Andy Quirke for alleged trade mark infringement over their use of the name, ‘Damo’ in a TV show.
According to the Irish Patents Office, Dubliner Damien O’Regan registered the name ‘Damo’ in relation to entertainment services, music and lyrics he provides. Mr O’Regan told the High Court that the use of the name Damo is a clear breach of his trade mark and said he had not given his consent for its use by Mr Quirke. Continue Reading What’s in a name? Singer sues RTÉ for use of his name
Start Up Dublin Day- Friday 17th May
By Alison Quinn on
Posted in Intellectual Property
This Friday 17th May is officially Start Up Dublin Day as part of the MBA World Trophy three day event taking place at the Marker Hotel. The event sees assembled speakers discussing topics such as finance, leadership and growth together with numerous practical workshops, seminars and networking events taking place throughout the day.
Highlights of the day include a panel discussion with Margaret Molloy (Velocidi, NY), David Smith (Tirna Partners), Barry O’Brien (Silicon Valley Bank), Joe Haslam (IE Business School) and Stephen McIntyre (Twitter) and Hayley Conick (Elance) sharing there valued insights on growing a business.
An …
Inaugural MBA World Trophy Event in Dublin 16-18 May 2013
By Alison Quinn on
Posted in Intellectual Property
I will be attending the inaugural event of the MBA World Trophy from 16-18 May this week in Dublin at the Marker Hotel. This exciting three day event focusing on entrepreneurship and business development is the brainchild of two MBA students (John O’Loughlin and Stephen Smith) from Smurfit Business School.
The event will provide a unique showcase of entrepreneurial talent from 25 of the world’s finest graduate colleges, during the course of which teams will pitch their business models to an exclusive panel of VCs, participate in workshops in Innovation, Finance, Growth and Leadership. Each team will be paired with …
Continue Reading Inaugural MBA World Trophy Event in Dublin 16-18 May 2013