Welcome to your Sunday recap of the week’s biggest developments in trademark and brand protection.
From Universal Music Group taking on “AI-generated slop” to alcohol marks opening up in the UAE, here’s what shaped the IP landscape this week.
This Week’s Must-Read
New Balance’s ‘mirror-image N’ clash with Decathlon signals evolution of footwear disputes (18 September)
New Balance claims stylised Kiprun “K” becomes an infringing “N” when mirrored across a pair of running shoes.
From the Courts
Schedule A defendant successfully vacates six-figure judgment awarded to UGG owner (17 September)
The decision adds to growing doubts over whether the Northern District of Illinois remains the “path of least resistance” for Schedule A counterfeit disputes.
Ladbrokes, Gala Bingo failed copyright claim shows challenges of enforcing mature logos (18 September)
The UK High Court ruling puts more pressure on big companies to keep evidence of how logos have evolved and how rights have been transferred long before disputes arise.
Universal Music Group takes on “AI-generated slop” in new court filing (16 September)
In a fresh complaint in the US, the record label accuses music distributor DistroKid of “flooding” streaming platforms with AI-generated and infringing tracks.
Behind the Data
Exclusive data shows trademark owners face higher hurdle for emergency relief in Central California (15 September)
Rights holders seeking TROs and preliminary injunctions face significantly lower success rates at the CDCA than in other major US trademark courts.
Central California bucks national trends as counterfeiting claims fall by more than 50%(14 September)
Exclusive data reveals the plaintiffs, defendants and law firms behind a shifting trademark litigation landscape at the Central California District Court.
Brand Protection Intelligence
UAE Class 33 opening sparks filing race for alcohol brands (17 September)
Direct protection for alcoholic beverages promises stronger enforcement, but experts warn well-known brands without Class 33 coverage could face opportunistic filings if they delay.
Who owns trust in the age of AI? A practical roadmap for brands using AI-generated identities (16 September)
Discover the six-step clearance framework to help brands assess when AI-generated identities become a legal and reputational liability.
Shaq versus the shake: what a government meme reveals about false endorsement and brand control (15 September)
A US health agency’s use of Shaquille O’Neal’s familiar timeout image in a post about Shake Shack’s 1,900-calorie shake offers a compact lesson in false endorsement.
Government & Policy
Why US-Canada cross-border tariffs may be some good news for brand owners (19 September)
As customs inspections increase and cross-border arbitrage becomes less attractive, trademark owners may gain an unexpected advantage in the fight against counterfeits and parallel imports.
Sony, Warner Music back anti-fraud pledge to combat AI-driven streaming manipulation(16 September)
The recorded-music industry’s global trade body has unveiled a new initiative, aiming to curb fraudulent tracks and AI-driven abuse on streaming platforms
How one CLO maximises the benefits of the IPOPHL e-commerce MOU (15 September)
CTI Group’s chief legal officer says that participating in the MOU helps turn anti-counterfeiting efforts into market intelligence that supports wider commercial decisions.
Plus…
One month to go: industry leaders gather in New York for Brand Strategy Summit USA 2026 (14 September)
Secure your tickets to hear from Authentic Brands Group, FIFA World Cup 2026, Moderna, the NFL Players’ Association, PayPal, Rotary International, Warner Music Group, and more.
