Category: IP and Trade Practices

Not quiet on the WESTON front – estate agency mark still valid despite rebranding

Trade marks – non-use application – limited use following rebranding – website redirection and promotion of the fact of the rebranding sufficient – infringement – “own name” defence – whether good faith use of own name
Contracts – whether substantial rebranding by a franchisor a repudiation of franchise agreement

Implied terms in trade mark license upsets the apple cart

Trade marks – assignment and licence back – option to take assignment – whether variations agreed by conduct – implied terms – whether implied term that licence extends to replacement versions of licensed marks – whether implied term that marks be re-assigned if licence is breached – relevance of post-contractual conduct