Synopsis
In the past decades, the scope of trademark protection has exponentially expanded. Today, a growing list of product features - including colours, shapes, smells, gestures, and even video clips - can be protected as trademarks based on the assertion that these signs are capable of distinguishing products in the marketplace. However, the protection of these non-traditional marks has often been met with controversy, particularly by the courts in several countries. In her presentation, Dr. Calboli will address the current legal protection of non-traditional trademarks in Singapore and in selected jurisdictions.
Dr. Calboli will highlight the problems - for trademark owners, competitors, and the public - that can follow from the protection of these marks. In particular, she will discuss some of the most controversial cases litigated in recent years. She will also note that courts across several jurisdictions have resorted, or have considered resorting, to the doctrine of functionality to counter the trend of expansive trademark protection and prevent granting trademark rights in functional product features that could put competitors at a significant disadvantage in the marketplace.
About the Speaker
Irene Calboli is Lee Kong Chian Fellow, Visiting Professor, and the Deputy Director of the Applied Research Centre for Intellectual Assets and the Law in Asia (ARCIALA), School of Law, Singapore Management University. Irene started her academic career at the University of Bologna and has held visiting positions at the King’s College London, the University of California Berkeley, the University Complutense, De Paul University, and the Max-Planck-Institute for Innovation and Competition. Most recently, she was a visiting professor at the Faculty of Law of the National University of Singapore. Irene’s scholarship focuses on the intersection between intellectual property and international trade.
Fees
a. Seminar fee
Seminar fee of S$150* (inclusive of GST) applies.
b. Group discount fee
Group discount fee of S$135* (inclusive of GST) applies if there are at least 10 participants from the same organisation.
c. SMU Alumni fee (for LLB / JD / LLM graduates)
Seminar fee of S$135* (inclusive of GST) applies for SMU LLB / JD / LLM Alumni.
d. Student rate
Seminar fee of S$38* (inclusive of GST) applies for full-time undergraduate student (matriculation card must be provided in order to enjoy this entitlement).
*Please note that there will be no refund should participant cancel the registration/did not attend the seminar. However transferring of registration/substitution can be arranged and notice of transfer/substitution should be sent to Sascha via email: cle@smu.edu.sg, latest by 17 July 2016.
SMU School of Law reserves the right to cancel or postpone any events owing to unforeseen circumstances. Refund of seminar fees will be arranged.
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