Latest news with #EUIPO
Agriland
2 days ago
- Business
- Agriland
Report: Counterfeit drinks cost Ireland €40m in sales annually
Authorities seized counterfeit food and drink products worth €91 million in a single EU wide operation last year, according to a new report. The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) said that the fraudulent foods and beverages found contained dangerous substances including methanol, mercury and toxic pesticides. Counterfeit products are often associated with luxury goods or the clothing and fashion sector. However, according to the 2022 Intellectual Property Crime Threat Assessment, foodstuffs – particularly cookies, pasta, crisps and sweets – were the second most seized category of products at the EU's external borders in 2020. Counterfeit The EUIPO said that wines and spirits face one of the highest counterfeiting rates compared to other products, with annual losses in sales of €2.3 billion and nearly 5,700 jobs in the EU. In Ireland alone, €40 million in sales are lost each year in this sector across the EU. A recent report from Europol highlighted that the growth of e-commerce has provided counterfeiters with new avenues to distribute fraudulent food items, making it increasingly difficult for consumers to identify authentic products. The report said that criminals manipulate food labels and packaging and also adjust manufacturing processes, targeting high value products. Last year's joint operation involving Europol and Interpol resulted in the seizure of counterfeit products worth € 91 million, which included 22,000t of food and around 850,000 litres of (mostly alcoholic) drinks. The operation also resulted in 11 criminal networks being dismantled and 278 people being reported to judicial authorities in connection with the counterfeits. China and Turkey were among the most frequently reported countries of origin for counterfeit food and drinks seized at the EU's external border in 2019 and 2020. The European Union has over 3,600 registered geographical indication (GI) products, which are a mark of authenticity. Ireland's GI products include Irish Whiskey, Irish Grass Fed Beef, Sneem Black Pudding and the Waterford Blaa. Campaign The EUIPO has launched the What's on your table? report as part of its campaign for World Anti-Counterfeiting Day. The campaign provides practical advice for consumers on how to protect themselves against counterfeit products including: Buy from official retailers and distribution channels; Verify product labelling and origin; Check for EU Geographical indication (GI) labels; Examine packaging and products for flaws or spelling mistakes; Use authentication tools like QR codes and holograms. Joao Negrao, executive director of the EUIPO, said that the health risks from fraudulent food products remain a primary concern. 'The counterfeiting of beverages, particularly alcoholic drinks, remains a significant issue, with organised crime groups employing sophisticated methods to deceive consumers. 'Counterfeiters frequently reuse original bottles or print fake labels to place on empty bottles, making it harder for consumers and authorities to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent products,' he said.
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
€90m in counterfeit food, drink seized in EU last year
Over €90 million in counterfeit food and drink products were seized across the European Union last year, according to the EU's Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). Counterfeit products are often associated with luxury goods but food products are the second most seized category of products at the EU's external borders. Over 3,600 EU food and drink products are protected by geographical indications (GIs), which protect the names of products that originate from specific regions and possess qualities or characteristics due to that geographical environment. For example, Irish whiskey is a protected product name, meaning whiskey produced outside Ireland cannot legally be labelled as Irish whiskey. Other protected Irish brands include Achill Island Sea Salt, Sneem Black Pudding, Irish Grass Fed Beef, and the Waterford Blaa. EUIPO said that wines and spirits face one of the highest counterfeiting rates compared to other products, with annual losses in sales of €2.28 billion and nearly 5,700 jobs in the EU across all categories. For Irish products, €40 million in sales are lost each year in this sector. Last year's €90 million worth of seizures of counterfeit food and drink products were coordinated by Europol and Interpol, and amounted to 22,000 tonnes of food and around 850,000 litres of (mostly alcoholic) drinks. EUIPO said the operation resulted in 11 criminal networks being dismantled and 278 people reported to judicial authorities in connection with the counterfeits. According to the report, France, Italy and Germany lead in both production and consumption of geographically protected products, with France alone accounting for nearly 32% of EU GI product sales. Wine constitutes 54% of the total EU GI consumption, which makes it particularly vulnerable to counterfeiting. Other products heavily impacted by counterfeiting include olive oil, beer, meat, cheese, and dairy products. The EU agency said that when counterfeiting of drinks, particularly alcoholic drinks, organised crime groups employ sophisticated methods to deceive consumers. Counterfeiters frequently reuse original bottles or print fake labels to place on empty bottles, making it harder for consumers and authorities to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent products. Apart from the economic loss, in its report, the EU Intellectual Property Office points to health concerns over counterfeit food and drink products, with some of the seized items containing dangerous substances, including methanol, mercury, fipronil, and toxic pesticides. China and Turkey are listed as being among the most frequently reported countries of origin for counterfeit food and drinks in the EU. Along with the report entitled 'What's on your table?', the EUIPO is highlighting ways for consumers to avoid fake products, including buying from official retailers and verifying product labelling. EUIPO Executive Director João Negrão said that counterfeit food and drink products are a "major public health concern". "Our campaign aims to equip consumers with the knowledge to protect themselves while supporting legitimate businesses that uphold EU quality standards. This is a battle we must fight together: authorities, producers and consumers alike," he added.
National Post
26-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
Supreme Court of Georgia Dismisses SPRIBE's Appeal, Solidifying Aviator LLC's IP Victory
Article content TBILISI, Georgia — On May 20, 2025, the Supreme Court of Georgia dismissed SPRIBE's appeal as inadmissible, thereby finalizing the invalidation of SPRIBE's trademarks in Georgia. The court confirmed that SPRIBE's trademarks were registered in bad faith and in violation of Aviator LLC's copyright. This ruling marks a significant milestone for Aviator LLC in its global intellectual property enforcement efforts, particularly as Georgia—the country of origin of the Aviator IP—has now formally recognized Aviator LLC as the rightful owner of both the Aviator trademark and the associated airplane image. Article content Article content The decision delivers a strategic victory to Aviator LLC, strengthening its legal position in related disputes unfolding across multiple jurisdictions. The recognition of Aviator LLC's exclusive IP rights in its home country may serve as a persuasive precedent in ongoing proceedings elsewhere. Article content One such key proceeding is currently underway at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), where Aviator LLC has filed for the invalidation of SPRIBE's Aviator trademarks. SPRIBE has thus far requested three separate deadline extensions for filing a response—an apparent attempt to delay the case and avoid addressing the underlying allegation: the unauthorized registration of third-party intellectual property in the European market. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Porsche's 1980s Icon May Return as the 911 Flachbau RS
Porsche seems to be prepping a modern incarnation of a totem of 1980s 'greed is good' culture, the 911 Turbo Flachbau. In addition to recently registering the name Flachbau with the EUIPO, Porsche has also registered the name Flachbau RS. This appears to signal a new exclusive edition 911, melding track-bred dynamics with a heavy aero-influenced frontal restyling. Porsche has recently been mining its history with a succession of models, each harking back to a previous decade. The latest is the 911 Edition 70, which recalls the body stripes and psychedelic Pascha seat fabric of the 1970s. We might now have a clue to the next celebration model, recalling the 1980s. Completists of the 911 will immediately recall that the original 911 Flachbau – or 'slantnose' – was an ultra-expensive limited edition from the factory's Sonderwunsch (special wishes) program. In that era, racing 935s from teams including Kremer flattened the 911's nose for aero purposes. The street 911 Turbo Flachbau replaced the tall front fenders with a line that matched the front hood. To fit the headlamps, they used that symbol of 1980s automotive potency, big pop-up units. Ahead of the rear wheels were giant intakes, with horizontal strakes as per a Ferrari Testarossa. Dominating the rear was the iconic Turbo tea-tray wing. Of the 950 or so built, many ran a 3.3-liter engine instead of the 3.0 that was standard with Turbos from 1978. They also mostly got a power boost to 330 horsepower. So what about a high-price revival using the modern 911 as a base? We called a Porsche source, who said he'd never heard of this trademark registration. But he also said it wouldn't be at all surprised if the factory is planning such a car. Porsche has officially said it will build four Heritage Design series. First, in 2019 was a Targa 4S with 1950s' style paint and corduroy upholstery. More significant was the 2022 911 Sport Classic, a celebration of the late-1960s race 911s. It also had classic trim, including wood on the dash, but it had mechanical back-up. It was the most powerful 911 Porsche had made at the time, with 550 hp, hooked to a manual transmission and RWD-only. So we know the Heritage Design program can do more than just trim. Calling a car the Flachbau RS would signify the involvement of the GT department, developer of the GT2 and GT3 series cars. We're licking our lips. But what about the pop-up lamps, critical to the vibe of mullet hairstyles and big shoulder pads? While they're no longer legal in most markets due to pedestrian safety regulations, our Porsche source suggested that modern ultra-slim LED technology could offer a clever workaround.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Senior Trade Mark & Design Administrators Annual Update In-Person Training Course (London, United Kingdom - September 8-9, 2025)
Join an essential event for senior trade mark and design administrators focused on EUIPO legal reforms, global design practice differences, and international registration strategies under the Madrid and Hague Systems. Stay informed, network with peers, and earn 12 CPD hours. Dublin, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Annual Update for Senior Trade Mark & Design Administrators Training Course (London, United Kingdom - September 8-9, 2025)" has been added to offering. This must-attend event has been specifically designed for all senior trade mark and design administrators. It will bring you up to date with recent EUIPO legal reforms, focusing on changes to the law and practice, including a case law summary. The programme will show you the differences between EU, US, UK and foreign design filing practices and how you should approach these. It will also highlight the pitfalls to be aware of in relation to trade marks in the US, as well as focusing on other country-specific issues that you need to be aware of. There will be extensive coverage of the common issues that can be encountered and how to deal with them to best effect. You will also learn about the international registrations of trade marks and designs under both the Madrid System and the Hague System and how recent developments will affect you. This is a must-attend event for all senior trade mark and design administrators to bring you right up to date with the latest changes and their implications for you and your role. It also provides the opportunity to network with like-minded people to discuss your challenges and to ask your questions of the expert faculty. Benefits of attending By attending this event you will: Learn about the latest EUIPO updates - including latest case law and practice changes Get to grips with EU, US and UK foreign designs - differences and pitfalls Expand your knowledge of the latest good practice for design filings Examine the latest updates on USPTO practice - trade marks Clarify foreign filing pitfalls and learn how to avoid them Master country-specific issues Understand international registration of trade marks and designs Get up to date with the Madrid and Hague Systems - recent developments and trends Who Should Attend: This programme has been specifically designed for: Senior trade mark administrators Formalities managers Senior design administrators IPRand legal assistants Paralegals Certifications: CPD: 12 hours for your records Certificate of completion Course Agenda: Day 1 Chair's introduction Welcome and introduction to the course EUIPO EUIPO updates and practice changes Case law points resulting in practice changes Cases from CJEU, General Court, Boards of Appeal Trends in EU filings Office tools and projects Brexit - the years after EU, US, UK and foreign designs - the differences and pitfalls Outline of US, EU and UK design filings and their differences How to run a good docket for a US to EU portfolio Filing applications elsewhere Choosing between Hague and national applications General good practice for design filings - focus on UK and EU Selection of representations Issues with photo filings Grace periods Priority issues Reliance on unregistered rights Update on USPTO practice - trade marks Filing bases, including foreign use/registration - State Register, Federal Register A vs B Differences in classification and goods/services descriptions Responding to office actions - descriptions of device marks, disclaimers, likelihood of confusion, descriptiveness Evidence of acquired secondary meaning, including surveys (practical examples) TTAB procedure and practice Declarations of Use and Incontestability at registration and maintenance stages Interesting US cases Foreign filing pitfalls and how to avoid them Managing local Counsel Notarisation and legalisation Translations and local language requirements Practicalities (time zones, National holidays etc) Country-specific issues Classification Summary of the day and questions Day 2 Overview of the Madrid System and Recent Legal Developments How the Madrid System works, main features Geographical coverage and possible expansion Recent legal developments Practical considerations when filing an international application The role of the Office of origin and of WIPO Irregularities in international applications How to lower the risk of incurring in irregularities Madrid eServices Madrid online services demo (eMadrid) WIPO Account and email address The future of eMadrid Overview of the Hague System and recent developments Overview, statistics, latest accessions Recent legal developments Useful online tools EU case law update and practical implications - trade marks and designs Learn about the latest case law and how it affects you and your role For more information about this training visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. 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