ICANN seeks comments on the procedures to be used by the Trademark Clearinghouse in connection with the implementation of new gTLDs *

USA - October 1 2012
On September 24, 2012, ICANN requested comments on two important procedures in the implementation of the Trademark Clearinghouse – proof of trademark use and determination of a match.

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The United States Patent and Trademark Office is seeking comments on potentially amending the Federal Trademark Act, the Lanham Act, to require the filing of a declaration of use after three years of trademark registration rather than the current five *

USA - August 22 2012
On August 16, 2012, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued a Request for comment in the Federal Register on the potential amendment of the Federal Trademark Act – the Lanham Act – to require the filing of the first Affidavit or Declaration of Use or Excusable Nonuse (Affidavit) from between the third and fourth year after the issuance of a trademark registration, or the six-month grace period that follows. 

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European Parliament rejects Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement *

European Union, Global - July 5 2012
The European Parliament voted against the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA). 

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Fourth Circuit overturns laches defense victory for clear channel *

USA - March 27 2012
Trademark owners have a duty to police their rights or risk erosion or even loss of those rights. 

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Sky diving for dollars: Ninth Circuit upholds jury’s $6 million award to Skydive Arizona for defendants’ trademark infringement, false advertising, and cybersquatting *

USA - March 14 2012
Skydive Arizona sued a group of defendants, collectively called “Skyride” by the court, for trademark infringement, false advertising, and cybersquatting.

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