Katie Perry vs Katy Perry: Australian designer wins trademark over popstar; CNN, March 11, 2026

Lex Harvey, Angus Watson, CNN; Katie Perry vs Katy Perry: Australian designer wins trademark over popstar

"Sydney-based fashion designer Katie Perry had always dreamed of starting her own clothing brand. She never imagined a global pop star would be her biggest obstacle.

But on Wednesday Australia’s highest court ruled that Perry, who now goes by her married name Katie Taylor, has the right to sell clothes under her own name.

It’s a major victory for the underdog small business owner, who more than 15 years ago received a letter from the other Katy Perry — yes, that one."

Responsible Enforcement: How To Handle Trademark Disputes Effectively; Forbes, March 15, 2018

Art Neill, Forbes; Responsible Enforcement: How To Handle Trademark Disputes Effectively

"Co-author Teri Karobonik contributed to this post*

There are many different types of legal disputes that you might encounter when you own intellectual property. Trademark law protects consumers from confusion regarding the origin or source of a product or service. Trademarks can end up being a significant asset for your business because over time, your customers will be able to identify with the company. Your branding choices can make or break your business, and your trademarks will help you build that brand.

This means that you as a business owner should know what kind of protection your trademarks get you, how to maintain and use your trademarks (and those of another company), and when you should take action against someone using your trademarks. Trademarks can be expensive to get, more expensive to protect, and disastrous to your business if you lose protection. Because of these factors, trademark over-enforcement has become a bit of an epidemic, but it doesn’t have to be that way!

In the second part of this multi-part series (see part 1 on handling copyright infringement here), we provide some key tips and action steps for enforcing your trademarks responsibly online."

Microsoft v MikeRoweSoft and Iceland v Iceland: Five of the strangest trademark disputes; Telegraph, August 18, 2017

Sophie Christie, Telegraph; Microsoft v MikeRoweSoft and Iceland v Iceland: Five of the strangest trademark disputes

"Poundland is in the middle of a legal dispute with US food giant Mondelēz over the trademarking of the Toblerone chocolate bar.

The budget retailer has claimed that Toblerone is no longer distinctive enough to be a valid trademark, as it attempts to defend its right to launch its own bar Twin Peaks.

The legal wrangle is one of many brand name battles over trademarks. We take a look at five of the biggest - and most surprising - below."

BrewDog backs down over Lone Wolf pub trademark dispute; Guardian, March 27, 2017

Rob Davies, Guardian; 

BrewDog backs down over Lone Wolf pub trademark dispute

"Branding expert Graham Hales, chief marketing officer at the Chemistry Group, said BrewDog had made the right decision by backing down. “Lawyers have their jobs to do and any brand needs to protect its trademark,” he said. “That being said, the sense of David versus Goliath in a business context is something people will comment on."