Stobbs

14/05/2026

In 2018, the Estate of the Late Sonia Brownell Orwell filed an EU trade mark application for the sign GEORGE ORWELL which was rejected by the European Union Intellectual Property Office - EUIPO as the sign would be understood by the consumers to provide information about their content, making the mark descriptive and non-distinctive. This decision was appealed by the applicant.

Whilst an application for a trade mark covering a name is capable of designating origin and should not be assessed in any different way than other word marks, once a name reaches a certain level of fame, it will perceived by the public as merely describing the content of certain goods and services and can no longer function as a trade mark.

Evidence of the well-known status of a mark will only be beneficial for an applicant if it can show that they were able to educate the consumer that goods and services bearing the mark come from a single source. Otherwise, the evidence will simply enforce the descriptiveness and non-distinctiveness objection. Egle Adomaityte explains more...

https://www.iamstobbs.com/insights/fame-comes-with-a-price-of-being-descriptive-george-orwell-trade-mark-dispute

May 14 2026 • min read Fame comes with a price (of being descriptive) – GEORGE ORWELL trade mark dispute Egle Adomaityte IA Manager Arts & Entertainment Celebrity Trade Marks Designs + Copyright In 2018, the Estate of the Late Sonia Brownell Orwell filed an EU trade mark application for the sign...

05/05/2026

Build it and they will come!

A great evening at Stobbs’ Cocktail Reception at INTA. Thanks to everyone who stopped by.

This is a great opportunity to namecheck Greg Stobbs for his work on our branding, from the website imagery and caricatures to the office overlay, and to Biggy’s food for doing what they always do so well. They provide our lunches and are an important part of our Cambridge office community, and very much appreciated.

05/05/2026

At Stobbs, our global network of agents is a huge advantage for us. Knowing we have experts in every jurisdiction means we can be confident about offering the best advice to brand owners worldwide.

INTA was a great opportunity for us to welcome our agents from Africa and the Caribbean to our office on Monday - for some coffee, cake and chat.

23/04/2026

A recent trade mark claim involving easyGroup and Jaybank Leisure Limited had an unusual outcome. easyGroup succeeded on infringement in principle, but still lost the case.

For practitioners, the lesson is simple: in trade mark litigation, evidence strategy is not a side issue. It can decide the case.

Olivia Ann Bibbo takes a closer look for Wolters Kluwer: IP Law and explains why the decision is worth reading...

https://legalblogs.wolterskluwer.com/trademark-blog/not-so-easy-easygroup-wins-on-confusion-but-loses-on-non-use/

In easyGroup Limited v Jaybank Leisure Limited [2025] EWHC 3077 (IPEC), HHJ Hacon dealt with a trade mark claim with an unusual outcome. easyGroup succeeded on infringement in principle, but still lost the case. That is what makes the decision worth reading. Background and the issues

23/04/2026

In 2012, ICANN opened what many considered a once‑in‑a‑lifetime transfer window for organisations to secure their own exclusive top‑level dotBrand top-level domains.

In just a few months, more than 1,900 applications were submitted and over 1,200 new domain extensions were added. Major sporting organisations, including the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), and the AFL - Australian Football League were among the early adopters.

Now, in 2026, ICANN is preparing to open a second rare window of opportunity. This new 15‑week application period - running from 30 April to 12 August 2026 - offers organisations another shot at securing a dotBrand domain. For LawInSport, John Weston and Stuart Fuller set out what in-house teams need to know before the 2026 application window closes...

https://www.lawinsport.com/topics/item/dotbrand-kicks-off-the-window-opens-to-a-new-era-for-sports-identity-online

In 2012, ICANN opened what many considered a once‑in‑a‑lifetime transfer window for organisations to secure their own exclusive top‑level dotBrand top-level domains. In just a few months, more than 1,900 applications were submitted and over 1,200 new domain extensions were added.[1] Major sp...

27/03/2026

Women in IP’s connected Bubbles event 🥂 A nationwide toast to collaborations, referrals and the people who keep the profession moving 🫧

18/03/2026

We care - we dedicate days to move, connect & enjoy being together ☕️🧘🏽‍♀️🎱☀️

12/03/2026

It may be surprising, but Monaco does not own the domain name Monaco.com. Instead, it has been owned since 1995 by a US company called Monaco Enterprises, Inc. created by the late Mr Monaco. In 2024, the State of Monaco, through its company Monaco Brands – which holds its IP assets, including various trade marks worldwide for MONACO – contacted her with the aim of acquiring the domain name.

A dispute (and a URDP complaint) arose over whether the domain had been purchased to be resold at an unreasonably high price and obtain personal data from users, and whether the domain name is confusingly similar to their Monaco Brands' MONACO trade marks.

This case highlights the importance of strong negotiations even when the buyers are country entities, especially as some domain names are sold at a premium. It is also important to note that bad faith as a condition has to be fulfilled and can be difficult to prove. Sonia Amrar explains more...

https://www.iamstobbs.com/insights/monaco-com-the-failed-gamble

Mar 12 2026 • min read Monaco.com: the failed gamble Sonia Catt IA Executive Travel Domains Trade Marks It may be surprising, but Monaco does not own the domain name Monaco.com. Instead, it has been owned since 1995 by a US company called Monaco Enterprises Inc., created by the late Mr Monaco. The...

19/02/2026

Four nominations, and one grateful team. Thanks to Managing IP for recognising us in the Managing IP Awards 2026.

It's nice to see the great work that the entire Stobbs team does being recognised in this shortlist- and a particular nod of congratulations should go to Emma Teichmann for being nominated for Rising Star of the Year!

19/02/2026

A big congrats to Sarah Fellows on her nomination for Commercial Lawyer of the Year at the Women and Diversity in Law Awards!

Hosted by The Global Legal Post, the awards honour outstanding female leaders and practitioners, as well as legal teams and businesses driving meaningful change.

Sharp, strategic, and always delivering results—this recognition couldn’t be more well deserved. We'll have fingers crossed until the 28th April when the winner will be announced.