IP Office Warns Against Illegal Online TM Solicitation Platforms
The CGPDTM has issued a public notice warning against online platforms allegedly soliciting trademark filing and legal services in violation of professional and regulatory norms. Naming multiple sites, the Office cautioned users that only authorised advocates and registered agents should be engaged for trademark prosecution and advisory work.
CGPDTM Schedules 2026 Open Houses on PCT Filings
The CGPDTM has announced quarterly online Open House sessions through 2026 focused on PCT international-phase filings. Beginning 21 January, the meetings will address India’s role as Receiving Office, ISA/IN and IPEA/IN, offering applicants and practitioners direct channels to flag issues and clarify PCT practice.
‘SOCIAL’ Joins India’s Well-Known Marks Club
The Delhi High Court has declared SOCIAL, owned by Impresario Entertainment and Hospitality, a well-known trademark under the Trade Marks Act. Relying on its nationwide reputation and distinctiveness, the court permanently restrained “The Shake Social” from using SOCIAL or any deceptively similar variant in an ex parte infringement action.
Patanjali Hangs On to ‘GONYLE’ Cow-Urine Cleaner Mark
Dismissing Holy Cow Foundation’s rectification plea, the Delhi High Court upheld the PATANJALI GONYLE FLOOR CLEANER trademark. The court found no proof of the petitioner’s prior use or likely confusion, and held that the prominent PATANJALI house mark sufficiently distinguishes the cow-urine-based cleaner in the marketplace.
Madras HC Shields Parasakthi From Pre-Release Piracy
The Madras High Court has granted an interim injunction against unauthorised cable and online broadcasts of the Tamil film Parasakthi ahead of release. Acting on a copyright plea by the producer, the court held that failure to curb illegal streaming could cause irreparable harm to exploitation rights.
Dynamic+ Injunction Takes Aim at ‘Stranger Things’ Pirates
The Delhi High Court has ordered blocking of multiple piracy websites streaming shows like Stranger Things, Friends, Batman, Squid Game and The Jungle Book. Granting a dynamic+ injunction to studios including Warner Bros., Netflix, Disney and Apple, the court authorised real-time blocking of mirror and future rogue sites.
Nice Classification 13th Edition Now Governs New TM Filings
The 13th edition of the Nice Classification (NCL 13–2026) has come into force, updating class headings and terms for goods and services worldwide. The revisions affect national and Madrid System trademark filings, requiring applicants to align specifications with the new terminology from 2026 onward.
UKIPO to Hike Trademark Fees From April 2026
The UKIPO has announced increased fees for trademark applications and related services effective 1 April 2026. Citing operational costs and the need to sustain efficient processing, the Office has urged brand owners and practitioners to reassess filing strategies, portfolios and budgets ahead of the revised tariff.
X Hits Back: Antitrust Suit Targets Music Licensing ‘Cartel’
Elon Musk’s X Corp has sued 18 major music publishers and the NMPA in Texas, alleging they conspired to force inflated blanket licensing terms and block competitive deals. X claims coordinated refusals to negotiate have triggered waves of takedowns, content loss and significant advertising revenue damage.
China Issues Rulebook for Regional and Cluster Brand Trademarks
China’s CNIPA has released Guidelines on trademark registration for industrial cluster and regional brands, clarifying use of place names in collective and certification marks. Generally barring administrative division names at or above county level, the rules aim to foster distinctive, reputable regional and cluster branding while curbing generic geographic monopolies.
