Enforcement

The stronger a trademark becomes, the more it risks sliding into generic use. Diogo Antunes examines this paradox at the heart of brand success, analyzing how Spanish and Portuguese courts address the tension between linguistic reality and legal protection, and why widespread use of ‘donut’ has not diminished the distinctiveness of the renowned Donuts marks.

Recognized as one of Nigeria’s leading intellectual property practitioners, Angela Adebayo Agbe-Davies, Managing Director at Inventa, has expanded access to IP education and services across West Africa. In this conversation, she reflects on her journey, the convictions that shaped her leadership, and the evolving role of women in the legal and corporate landscape.

The INTA Leadership Meeting once again brought together committee members from across the globe for its annual gathering, held this year from November 18 - 21 in Hollywood, Florida (USA). Over the course of the program, attendees immersed themselves in a range of skill-building experiences, from intensive bootcamps and hands-on workshops to dynamic “Leadership Lab” discussions focused on topics such as Artificial Intelligence within Intellectual Property (IP) industry, brand protection, and sustainability.

The Web Summit 2025 took place from November 10 to 13 in Lisbon, Portugal. João Batalha, Luís Caixinhas, Sara Fonseca, and Yasmin Sabra attended the event to network, exchange ideas, and explore a wide variety of innovative projects and startups, gaining valuable insights into developments across multiple industries.

In celebration of Nigeria’s 65th anniversary, The Guardian released a special edition highlighting remarkable contributions within the country.

Angela Adebayo-Agbe Davies, Regional Director at Inventa Nigeria, was recognized for her pivotal role in establishing Inventa the first international intellectual property firm in Nigeria positioning the company as a key player in the global IP space.

Portuguese courts have increasingly restricted the recognition of acquired distinctiveness for non-distinctive signs, diverging from the EU trademark framework. Vitor Palmela Fidalgo examines this, arguing that such limitations jeopardise legal coherence, consumer protection, and the fundamental function of trademarks as indicators of commercial origin within the internal market.

On September 10, 2025, the EU General Court (EGC) issued its judgment in the case of Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), T-288/24, (ECLI:EU:T:2025:847).

In this decision, the EGC annulled a decision by the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) which had refused the registration of a sound trademark.

This is an important decision by the EGC, as it sets a threshold example of the distinctiveness required for the protection of sound trademarks.

The EUIPO’s contested decision

On September 29 and 30, 2025, BioMeet 2025 took place at the Taguspark Conference Center in Oeiras. The event focused on the biotechnology sector, promoting knowledge sharing, networking, and stimulating innovation.

Africa’s fashion industry is booming, creating more job opportunities across the continent. Driven by youth, culture, and growing global interest, the sector is gaining international recognition through designers, brands, and events.

We are pleased to announce the members of the Inventa team who have been appointed to the 2026-2027 term of the International Trademark Association (INTA) Committees.

Over the next two years, they will have the opportunity to contribute their experience, collaborate with industry leaders, and reflect on policies that have a global impact within the international trademark community.

Learn more about the INTA committees.