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From Pascual Segura, director, University of Barcelona Patent Centre

A monthly column devoted to IP curiosities and controversies, named in honour of John of Utynam - who received the world's first recorded patent in 1449

In its recent Decision 530/189/2009, the Hellenic Communications and Post Commission (EETT) accepted a complaint filed by the French company Société Anonyme des Mineral d' Evian against the registration of the domain name www.evian.gr in the name of a Greek subject. In particular, it held that Evian trade marks are well known internationally and that the domain name registration in the defendant's name may cause a likelihood of confusion, infringes their high distinctive character and may well result in their dilution, and that these dangers run contrary to the principles of good faith and good business morals.

The Australian courts have continued to restrict the ability of applicants to obtain shape trade marks. In the latest case of Chocolaterie Guylian NV v Registrar of Trade Marks [2009] FCA 891, the Federal Court has agreed with the Registrar's refusal to register Guylian's well-used shape of a seahorse despite substantial use and high levels of consumer recognition.

With effect from August 1 2009, Measures for the Management of the Reproduction of Audio-Visual Products were replaced by new measures issued by The General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP). Aimed at strengthening the management and facilitating the healthy development of the reproduction industry in China, the newly enacted Measures For Reproduction Management consist of six chapters and 43 articles focusing on the establishment and management of business entities conducting reproduction activities, management of reproduction equipment and legal liabilities for any unauthorised activities.

OHIM President Wubbo de Boer wants to reform the opposition system for Community trade marks

Buying the rights to name a venue offers IP owners a publicity-winning opportunity. But such deals can be complex. James D Weinberger provides a guide

The four candidates contesting the election for EPO president this month tell Emma Barraclough why they are the right person for the job

Managing IP lists the patent firms filing the most PCT applications in the 14 biggest markets

The susceptibility to invalidation of a US trade mark registration based on a claim that the underlying filings contain false statements is, once again, a timely topic. Specifically, in view of the controversy regarding the standard to establish fraud, US courts have re-evaluated what constitutes fraud in the procurement or maintenance of a trade mark registration.