Global IP Developments: Turkey's Plain Packaging, Pakistan IPO Praised by WIPO, and '.amazon' Domain Dispute Resurfaces

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced a major seizure of 9,024 pairs of counterfeit Nike sneakers at the Port of New York/Newark. The counterfeit goods, originating from China, would have retailed for approximately $1,695,600 if genuine. Troy Miller, Director of CBP’s New York Field Office, emphasized the agency's commitment to enforcing intellectual property rights and protecting consumers from unsafe counterfeit products. CBP's role as a critical ally to brands is underscored by its 2017 average daily seizures of $3.3 million in IPR-violating products.

In a move to combat forgery, the US Department of Homeland Security is offering up to $800,000 in grants to blockchain startups through its Silicon Valley Innovation Program (SVIP). The initiative aims to develop anti-counterfeiting technologies primarily targeting government certificates and licenses, with potential applications extending to other goods.

The UK has appointed Chris Skidmore, Conservative MP for Kingswood, as the new minister for intellectual property, following Sam Gyimah’s resignation over Brexit strategy disagreements. The IP community anticipates greater stability in this frequently changing role.

Papua New Guinea faces a "worrying trend" of retail counterfeiting, highlighted by two recent trademark infringement cases. Paradise Supermarket was found guilty of misleading labeling on "Pepsi" cans, falsely implying local importation and distribution, while Eliseo Limited sold counterfeit South Pacific Brewery products. Consumers are cautioned to remain vigilant, especially during the festive season.

Turkey will implement plain packaging for all tobacco products starting next year, requiring uniform, government-regulated packaging and prohibiting public display and tobacco depiction in media. This policy aligns Turkey with countries like Singapore and Saudi Arabia, which have recently adopted similar measures.

A trademark dispute over "BRENT" marks in Singapore concluded with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore invalidating two marks registered by Intercontinental Exchange Holdings. The Chicago Mercantile Exchange successfully argued that "BRENT" and "BRENT INDEX" are descriptive and customary terms in financial services, emphasizing that other traders should freely use these terms without infringement concerns.

Cyprus’ Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism acknowledged administrative errors leading to the loss of the HALLOUMI trademark in the UK. The England and Wales High Court attributed the revocation to the ministry’s failure to timely respond to UKIPO communications, resulting in trademark cancellation despite prior renewal until 2027. An internal investigation has been launched to prevent future mishandling.

The Patent Office of the Republic of Poland hosted a workshop on "New types of trademarks – challenges and future practice," focusing on technical requirements for applications involving novel trademark characters.

Saudi Arabia’s Intellectual Property Authority (SIPA) conducted an introductory workshop in collaboration with the Saudi Chamber of Commerce and Industry to raise awareness of IP importance and challenges. SIPA’s Abdul Rahman Al-Sareekh outlined the Kingdom’s IP strategy and plans for system development aimed at benefiting rights holders.

WIPO experts commended Pakistan’s Intellectual Property Organisation (IPO-Pakistan) for its preparations to accede to the Madrid Protocol. IPO Chairman Mujeeb Ahmed Khan pledged transformative steps to enhance IP promotion and protection, signaling promising developments for rights holders in Pakistan.

The future of the '.amazon' top-level domain remains uncertain after the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) members canceled planned negotiations with Amazon and appealed ICANN’s delegation decision. ICANN’s head, Goran Marby, acknowledged the failure of the facilitation process to reach a resolution, prolonging the dispute.

The registry for the Chinese Internationalized Domain Name (IDN) '.在线' (Dot Chinese Online) announced a significant price increase effective March 15, 2019. New registrations and renewals for new registrations will see wholesale prices rise from $7.88 to $200, while renewals of existing registrations remain at the lower rate.

Public Interest Registry (PIR), operator of the '.org' domain, appointed Jonathon Nevett as president and CEO effective December 17, 2018. Nevett brings extensive experience from Donuts, where he helped establish a registry of over 240 top-level domains. He will focus on growing '.org' and advancing internet safety and security advocacy.

Recent weekly coverage also included insights from the Brand Strategy China event, calls for innovation in trademark survey evidence, and expert reactions to a UK Court of Appeal decision affecting Cadbury’s purple trademark, which may prompt competitor Nestlé to explore cancellation options.