Tidman Legal

28/05/2026

🍔 Can descriptive terms function as trade marks?

Our latest blog explores the growing legal and commercial debate around the term “Smashburger” and whether it is too descriptive to qualify for trade mark protection.

The blog examines:

✔️ the distinction between descriptive and distinctive marks
✔️ why descriptiveness matters in trade mark registration and enforcement
✔️ how courts and registries assess consumer perception
✔️ what brand owners can learn when choosing names in competitive markets

For businesses in food, hospitality, and consumer brands, the case is a useful reminder that strong branding starts with selecting marks capable of protection from the outset.

Read our latest blog: tidmanlegal.com/smashburger-descriptive-trade-mark

Is "Smashburger" Too Descriptive for Trade Mark Protection? The restaurant industry thrives on memorable branding, but not every catchy business name qualifies for strong trade mark protection. The growing debate around the term "Smashburger" highlights a key issue in intellectual property law: when...

22/05/2026

⚽ Trade marks, football, and brand identity: the EUIPO has issued an interesting decision in a dispute involving “Westham”.

In a recent ruling, the EU rejected an opposition against the mark “Westham”, highlighting important considerations around similarity, reputation, and likelihood of confusion in trade mark law.

Our latest blog breaks down the decision and what it means for brand owners seeking protection across the EU.

Read more here: tidmanlegal.com/west-ham-trade-mark-dispute

West Ham Trade Mark Dispute: EU Rejects "Westham" Opposition A recent West Ham trade mark dispute has highlighted the challenges even major football clubs face when enforcing intellectual property rights across Europe. An EU panel has rejected an opposition brought by West Ham United F.C. against a....

20/05/2026

💡Small business owners, don't let IP be your blind spot!

Our Startup Legal Packages are designed to:

✔️ Turn valuable ideas into protected assets
✔️ Avoid costly IP disputes
✔️ Create affordable IP strategies

More information 👉 tidmanlegal.com/services/startup-legal-packages

12/05/2026

Startups move fast but legal issues can slow growth when they are not anticipated or handled too late.

Whether you are launching your MVP, raising investment, hiring your first team, or negotiating commercial contracts, having the right legal support early can save time, money, and unnecessary risk.

We’ve created startup legal packages designed to give founders practical, accessible legal support without the uncertainty of traditional hourly billing.

Our packages can help with:

• Founder agreements
• Shareholder agreements
• Terms of business
• Commercial and confidentiality agreements
• Consultancy agreements
• Brand protection & trade mark registration
• Ongoing legal support

Clear pricing. Commercial advice. Startup-focused support.

Learn more here: tidmanlegal.com/services/startup-legal-packages

If you are building a business and want legal support that scales with you, feel free to get in touch.

Tidman Legal BUSINESS STARTUP LEGAL PACKAGES Our startup legal packages are designed for those about to launch a new business, or are looking to ensure you have a solid legal foundation on which to grow your business. As a business founder or owner, you are likely

05/05/2026

👟 Big win for brand owners in the UK.

Our latest blog breaks down a recent decision where Nike successfully blocked an application to register the mark “CONVERSE” in the UK, reinforcing the strength of established trademarks and the importance of proactive enforcement.

The case highlights:

✅The enduring value of legacy brand rights
✅How opposition proceedings can be a powerful tool
✅Key lessons for businesses seeking to protect or challenge marks in competitive markets

For companies navigating brand strategy, this decision is a timely reminder that your trademark portfolio is only as strong as your willingness to defend it.

Read the full analysis here: tidmanlegal.com/nike-blocks-converse-trademark-in-uk

Nike Blocks "Converse" Trademark in UK A recent UK trademark decision highlights the enduring strength of globally recognised brands and the legal risks for businesses that attempt to trade too close to them. A subsidiary of Nike Inc. has successfully opposed a tyre retailer's attempt to register th...

28/04/2026

Sunday was World IP Day! The theme for 2026 is IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate, celebrating how IP rights keep the world of sports thriving and accessible for everyone.

Read our blog exploring IP in the Olympic and Paralympic games: tidmanlegal.com/world-ip-day-2026

25/04/2026

Elon Musk built multiple billion dollar companies including Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink.

Tesla helped push electric vehicles into the mainstream, while SpaceX reduced launch costs and developed reusable rockets.

He acquired Twitter in 2022 in a deal worth about $44 billion, later rebranding it as X.

Musk is known for high risk bets, fast ex*****on, and focusing on industries with long term impact like AI, space, and energy.

His approach shows how bold vision combined with ex*****on can reshape entire industries.

Follow Tidman Legal for more like this 🤝

22/04/2026

As we count down to 2026, we are looking at how patents protect innovation in sport.

In 1993, Dunlop Ltd patented a cricket bat design that reflected how sports equipment can evolve, combining a synthetic body with a traditional wooden striking face.

11/04/2026

What counts as intellectual property?

It's anything you create with your mind, like a story, invention, artwork, or symbol.

Want to learn more? Check out: tidmanlegal.com/what-is-intellectual-property

10/04/2026

This year’s theme — IP and Sport — is a powerful reminder of how innovation, creativity, and protection of ideas drive the global sports industry forward. ⚽️

From cutting-edge performance technology to broadcasting rights, branding, and fan engagement, intellectual property plays a central role in shaping how we experience sport today.

With the football World Cup kicking off this summer, the spotlight on IP becomes even more relevant.

Behind every match is a complex ecosystem of rights management, from trademarks and media rights to data and digital content, all working together to deliver a world-class spectacle to billions of fans.

As sport continues to evolve through technology and global reach, protecting and respecting IP will remain key to fostering innovation, investment, and fair competition across the industry.