Resellers need to tread a careful line when using a brand owner’s marks. Use by an independent garage of BMW’s marks crossed the line between informative use (which is permitted) and misleading use (which is not).

In the latest round of the long running skirmish between confectionary giants Nestlé and Cadbury, Nestlé has lost its appeal to secure trade mark protection for the shape of its four-finger Kit Kat bar.

Hotel California, a small but apparently lovely Mexican hotel established in 1950, denies the Eagles’ “baseless” claims it infringes rights in the famous 1976 album and song of the same name.

Aggrieved rights holders' thoughts turn to sharply worded cease and desist notices aimed at stopping infringement or paving the way to court action. Rights holders need to take care before making threats.

The band allege that the hotel owner infringes its rights through advertising which leads US consumers to believe that it is associated with the Eagles and served as inspiration for the song.

When the producer of a Blackpool tribute show to music greats sought an injunction to stop a Michael Jackson tribute act from working for a Blackpool competitor, could the King of Pop beat it?

Often it seems the internet was created to share images of animal antics. Sometimes the stories behind the images shed light on the copyright issues involved.

In a victory for common sense, Judge William Orrick of the US District Court for the Northern District of California rejected PETA’s claims on grounds that it is a matter for the US congress to determine whether the protection of laws should be extended to animals ...

Brand owners should ensure new brand names are original and capable of indicating the trade origin of the goods or services they provide, or they may find they have little, if any, protection.