Ted Baker gets tough on counterfeiters
A successful prosecution has been brought in respect of a Leicester manufacturer producing fake designer clothing, including Ted Baker.  Following a seizure by trading standards, an action had been brought against the director of the manufacturing company who was sentenced to nearly 3 years for various offences under the Trade Marks Act. 

Louis Vuitton wins $32 million in damages
Louis Vuitton has been successful in its actions brought in the US against 2 internet service providers which, they alleged, were profiting from the sale of fake Louis Vuitton goods through websites they were hosting.

Next commences battle with Tesco
Next has issued proceedings against Tesco for allegedly copying several of its designs.

Louis Vuitton and ad words – Google ahead?
The Advocate General has issued his opinion to the European Court of Justice in Louis Vuitton v Google on the questions referred by the French court.  While the Advocate General’s opinion is non binding, it is usual for the European Court to pay close attention to his views.  In this case his views are that Google has not infringed Louis Vuitton’s trademarks by allowing advertisers to buy keywords which trigger sponsored links on the search engine.  Louis Vuitton alleges that many of the businesses advertising through the sponsored links sell counterfeit goods. 

The European Court’s decision is expected in the New Year.