Nintendo Secures Iconic Pokémon with TM Protection
In a strategic move, Nintendo has filed for trademark (TM) protection for some of its most iconic Pokémon, first introduced in 1996. The filing ensures long-term brand security beyond copyright limits in Japan, builds goodwill, and blocks copycats. Notably, these marks; have already been accepted in India, as reflected in Journal No. 2222 published on 18 August 2025.
Delhi HC Rules “Yatra” Cannot Be Exclusively Trademarked
The Delhi High Court ruled that “Yatra” remains a generic term without secondary meaning, citing extensive use by multiple operators. BookMyYatra was held distinguishable due to the “BookMy” prefix, and domain suffixes like “.com” were deemed generic. Consequently, Yatra Online’s injunction was dismissed, and the December 2024 interim order restraining Mach Conferences was vacated.
Delhi HC: Passive Website Access Doesn’t Establish Jurisdiction
The Delhi High Court ruled that merely listing products on a website accessible in Delhi, or executing a trademark assignment there, does not establish territorial jurisdiction. Deciding a dispute between Vikrant Chemico Industries and Shri Gopal Engineering and Chemical Works over competing “Doctor” brand phenyl products, Justice Amit Bansal emphasized that without actual sales or business in Delhi, these factors alone are insufficient to hear a trademark dispute.
Calcutta HC Orders Fresh Hearing in Marriott vs “THE NEW MARRION” Dispute
The Calcutta High Court overturned the Registrar’s dismissal of Marriott Worldwide’s opposition to the mark “THE NEW MARRION.” The Court held that Marriott’s U.S. notarized affidavit, despite lacking apostille was valid under Rule 120(3)(b) of the Trade Marks Rules, 2017, and that its exclusion breached natural justice. The case has been sent back to the Controller, including the opposition filed by the appellant, for a full merits hearing.
USPTO Backs AI Patent to Transform Trademark Examination
The USPTO has allowed a utility patent application for “Linguistic Analysis to Automatically Generate a Hypothetical Likelihood of Confusion Office Action using DuPont Factors.” Filed in 2023, the invention uses AI-driven linguistic and legal reasoning to modernize trademark examination. With a continuation-in-part filed, the milestone highlights USPTO’s openness to AI in streamlining and strengthening trademark law.
Perplexity AI’s Bid to Dismiss or Relocate News Corp Lawsuit Denied by NY Court
A New York Federal Court rejected Perplexity AI’s motion to dismiss or transfer a copyright lawsuit filed by News Corp’s Dow Jones and the New York Post. Judge Katherine Failla found that Perplexity, despite being based in California, failed to show the Court in New York lacked jurisdiction. The case will proceed in the Southern District of New York.
Meta Fights Off Metabyte: Court Dismisses Trademark Infringement Claim
A U.S. federal judge in California has dismissed a trademark lawsuit filed by tech staffing firm Metabyte against Meta Platforms, ruling there’s no consumer confusion between the names. Judge Vince Chhabria deemed Meta’s trademark valid and rejected the claim that “Meta” is generic. Metabyte, concerned about precedent for smaller brands, is considering an appeal.
Nokia Targets Paramount+ and More in U.S. Streaming Patent Lawsuit
Nokia has sued Paramount Skydance in Delaware Federal Court, alleging infringement of 13 patents tied to video-streaming technologies, including encoding, compression, and delivery. The complaint targets services like Paramount+, Pluto TV, and BET+. Nokia says it tried licensing talks since 2022, but negotiations failed. The company also filed a related case in Brazil. The suit seeks unspecified damages.
UK Blocks Versarien’s Sale of Graphene Assets to Chinese JV Over Security Concerns
The UK government, through senior minister Pat McFadden, has blocked the proposed sale of graphene-related assets by Versarien Plc to a joint venture involving China’s Anhui Boundary Innovative Materials Technology. Citing national security risks, the final order prevents the transfer of both tangible and intangible assets especially those with potential dual use applications including IP and know-how.
