July 3 — Huawei Technologies (華為技術) sold the trademarks and patents for Aito (問界), the electric vehicle brand it co-developed with Seres Group (賽力斯集団), to the automaker to re-emphasize that it has no plans to make cars itself, according to an informed source.
Starbucks has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Starbuds Flowers, a cannabis retailer, claiming that their logo is too similar to Starbucks’ iconic emblem. Starbucks is demanding that Starbuds cease using the logo and waive any profits made from its use. This legal action is part of Starbucks’ ongoing efforts to protect its brand identity. Similar trademark battles have occurred in the cannabis industry, including a recent win by BBK against Central Coast Agriculture and a resolution between Wrigley and Terphogz LLC.
The Kinki Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has launched an intellectual property portal site (Intellectual Property Utilization Support Site “Minna no Kansai Chizaiba”), which consolidates basic knowledge about intellectual property, support measures, latest information on events and other information that are essential for companies, industrial support organizations and other organisations in the Kinki region.