D'Mark Registration of Trademarks and Patents

Holiday Notice

DMark — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0200

HOLIDAY NOTICE

Dear clients, colleagues and partners:

We would like to inform that due to the Carnival Holiday, our office will be closed on February 15, 16 and 17 of 2010. We will resume pur activities on February 18, 2010.

Kind regards,

D’MARK – TRADEMARKS AND PATENTS

Pirates offer Windows 7 on USB sticks

DMark — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0200

Pirates have been selling Windows 7 on the black market long before the operating system was officially released on October 22, 2009. That said, as far we can tell, it's a first to see Windows 7 being sold illegally on USB drives, the selling point being that they work much faster than DVDs. In China, Netac U208 8GB USB drives preloaded with Windows 7 are being sold for 98 yuan, or about $14, according to the Chinese website163 (via the German website WinFuture).

Here are two translations of the Chinese text. First, Google's:

User posted days ago, we received news that bought in Shenzhen, SEG Plaza, a CEO with Microsoft's Steve Ballmer's signature U-disk, in addition to Microsoft CEO's signature in addition, this most daring move U disk is also pre-loaded with Microsoft's flagship operating system, version of Win7, and is 10-in-One version of the.

From the packaging point of view, this is a U disk like Windows 7 Ultimate software, packaging, U disk is marked by Netac U208 words, a capacity of 8GB, but obviously it would not be authentic Netac U plate.

A net friend to spend 98 yuan to buy the "value" U disk, insert the PC after the U disk is recognized as USB-CDROM, and a 5GB mobile disk, USB-CDROM or a 10-in-One version.

Of pirated copies can achieve this, the cottage manufacturers had to admire the bold and creative, but for Microsoft, as well as Netac who simply wish to the anti-piracy really is not easy.

Now here is Bing's:

Some days ago we received news that the Forum users drop in Shenzhen SEG square buy a with Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer of u-disk signature, the signature in addition to Microsoft's CEO, the u-disk wildest is also preinstalled Microsoft's flagship Edition, Win7 and the operating system or version 10-in-one.

From the outer package point of view, it is a u-disk is more like a set of Windows 7 flagship Edition software, and the packaging of u-disk you is the words of U208 Branco has a capacity of 8 GB, but obviously this is not true, genuine u-disk Branco.

Firends take 98 buy the Super value ” “ u-disk, insert the PC after the u-disk is recognized as a USB-CDROM and a 5 GB mobile disk, USB-CDROM, or 10-in-one version.

This can be done will be pirated, respect the stronghold manufacturer's bold and creative, just for Microsoft and Branco, want to anti-piracy really not easy.

Apparently, the copies of Windows 7 Ultimate that ship on the USB drives are "10-in-One versions" (we're not sure where the 10 comes from, but the additional versions might be N versions or slimmed down versions). Furthermore, the packaging clearly says this is a Signature Edition and proudly displays Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer's signature. Signature Edition copies of Windows 7 were handed out to Windows 7 Launch Party hosts; an Ars reader was the first person to get one. Any tech-savvy user would quickly dismiss a "10-in-One versions" copy of Windows 7 being sold on a USB drive and realize it is a pirated version. This makes us wonder though; was Steve Ballmer's signature placed there to help convince the average Chinese consumer?

There was a rumor back in June 2009 that said Microsoft was considering selling Windows 7 on a USB drive. Instead, the company offered two ways to sell the operating system to those who did not want to purchase a new computer: via retail or via download from the online Microsoft Store.

The latter option lets you then burn the downloaded Windows 7 bits either onto a DVD or onto a USB drive. You must do this part yourself, though Microsoft offered a tool to do it for you, right up until it had to be pulledover a GPL violation. The tool should be open sourced and rereleased in the coming weeks.

In either case, pirates have (once again) simplified the process of getting a copy of Windows 7 on a USB drive. Still, apart from the whole illegal deal, remember that purchasing pirated copies increases the chances your purchase will include extra unwanted malware preloaded with the installation of the operating system.

Link: http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2009/12/pirates-offer-windows-7-on-usb-sticks.ars

France To Cut Illegal Download Connections

DMark — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0300

Legislation was passed in France's senate that could sever the Internet connections of individuals who repeatedly download music and films illegally, which, in effect, may create the first government agency to track and punish individuals for online piracy.

The bill known as "Création et Internet" or "HADOPI" passed in the lower house 296 to 233 Tuesday, and in the senate 189 to 14 Wednesday, according to reports from the Associated Press, France 24 and other international media outlets. The bill calls upon Internet service providers to give customers two warnings that they are accused of infringing copyright before they cut off their Internet access for up to a year, charging them throughout this period.
The success of this bill, according to the AP, is a show of force by President Nicolas Sarkozy's governing conservatives after an initial failure last month, however, the new legislation is far from becoming law with the bill directly defying an EU measure passed last week prohibiting member governments from cut Internet connections before passing through a court of law.

Internet freedom activist group La Quadrature du Net (www.laquadrature.net) has stated that HADOPI "opposes [the] fundamental principles of French and European law, including the respect of a fair trial, principle of proportionality and separation of powers."

La Quadrature du Net co-founder Jérémie Zimmermann said that HADOPI could have helped refocus the debate on inventing new schemes for funding media industries, while still valuing the importance of civil liberties in the digital age. "Artists and authors, including those who once were used by the government and the decaying industries' lobbyists, now have to team up with their public to move along."
National recording industry association Disque en France (www.disqueenfrance.com) expressed its pleasure with the government's decision, thanking the professionals, artists and other creators that have worked for the past eighteen months to establish a set of rules for Internet access to music and video works.

France's hard stance on Internet piracy follows similar actions by European governments, such as the copyright convictions of four individuals responsible for the file-sharing website the Pirate Bay (www.thepiratebay.org). Going above the heads of tracker owners, music industry lobby group IFPI (www.ifpi.org) took the opportunity to contact Swedish torrent site hosts directly in an effort to shutdown some customers.

:: http://www.thewhir.com/

Best Global Brands 2009

DMark — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0300

The Definitive Guide to the Most Valuable Brands.

Best Global Brands 2009

View All Top 100 Brands - http://www.interbrand.com/best_global_brands.aspx?year=2009&langid=1000

French 'pass' piracy legislation

DMark — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0300

The law was narrowly passed by 285 votes to 225.

The French hard-line policy on piracy has drawn worldwide attention as nations around the globe grapple with the issue of piracy. The ruling majority UMP voted in favour but the Socialist Party has already announced that they will appeal to the Constitutional Court once again. An earlier version of the bill was ruled unconstitutional and a compromise version was hammered out.

The Constitutional Court insisted that a judge rather than a high authority had to rule on the issue of whether to disconnect users. The document will only be adopted definitely if a commission - made up of seven senators and seven deputies - can agree a joint version in the next few days. The legislation is backed by President Nicolas Sarkozy. The proposed legislation operates under a "three strikes" system. A new state agency would first send illegal file-sharers a warning e-mail, then a letter and finally cut off their connection if they were caught a third time.

While it is backed by the film and record industries, consumer groups have warned that innocent people may get punished. The European Parliament is currently considering whether cutting off internet access is a breach of human rights.
In the UK, Business Secretary Lord Mandelson has been widely credited with seeking a tougher line on UK piracy laws.

The British government is proposing a tougher stance which could include cutting repeat offenders off from the net.

BBC

Tropicana Unveils New Logo to Commence Transformation

DMark — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0300

The Tropicana Las Vegas unveils its energetic new logo to kick off the comprehensive revitalization and rebranding of the legendary Las Vegas Strip property. The vibrant, almost free-form logo replaces the previous diamond visual that has been used for more than two decades.

“The new company logo will serve as a roadmap for our entire transformation,” said company Chairman and CEO Alex Yemenidjian. “From the Havana inspired font to the lively color palette and unique arrangement; this image was designed to represent our vision of excitement, sensuality, rhythm and style.”

With more than 50 years of staying power on the corner of Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard the property once coined “The Tiffany on the Strip” has stood virtually unchanged since the last major renovation in 1985.

“The unveiling of this new company logo marks the beginning of a complete renovation and rebranding of the property with an energizing South Beach, Miami feel,” said Yemenidjian. “The new Tropicana Las Vegas will have a hot Havana-like vibe with pulsating music, live salsa dancers, bright tropical colors and a sizzling nightlife scene.”

Recently acquired by the Onex Corporation and led by Yemenidjian, the Tropicana will undergo a long-awaited physical and cultural transformation. Tropicana Las Vegas’ planned $125 million renovation includes the redesign of every hotel room, the casino and world-famous pool area among others. There will also be several new restaurants, bars, a new poker room and nightclub.

In addition to the physical renovations taking place, the new Tropicana and its’ team will exceed customer service standards, improve overall atmosphere and guest experience, and maintain the highest level of quality property wide.

Link: http://www.tropicanamediasite.com/tropicana-unveils-new-logo-to-commence-transformation.ia

Amazon to Buy Zappos.com for $847 Million

DMark — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0300

Amazon.com will buy online shoe and apparel retailer Zappos.com for US$847 million in cash and stock, the companies announced Wednesday.

Zappos.com, which focuses on delivering good customer service, offers more than 2.8 million products for sale, including shoes, jewelry, housewares, backpacks and clothing. Launched in 1999, the company had more than $1 billion in sales in 2008, according to its Web site.

Under the terms of an agreement announced Wednesday, Amazon will acquire all outstanding shares and assume all outstanding options of Zappos in exchange for approximately 10 million shares of Amazon common stock. Those Zappos shares are worth about $807 million. In addition, Amazon will give Zappos employees about $40 million in case and restricted stock.

The companies expect the deal to close late this year.

After the acquisition, the Zappos management team will remain intact and Zappos will operate independently out of its Las Vegas headquarters, Amazon said in a press release.

The deal will give the two companies a "huge opportunity to utilize each other's strengths and move even faster towards our vision of delivering happiness to customers, employees and vendors," Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos, said in a statement.

PCWORLD

ABPI XXIX International Conference & Seminar of Intellectual Property

DMark — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0300

August 22-25, 2009.

- Location -

Windsor Barra Hotel

Rio de Janiero, Brazil

We would like to inform our clients and business partners that D’MARK will participate in the XXIX National Seminar on Intellectual Property of Brazilian Intellectual Property Association (ABPI) to be held from August 22 to August 25 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The event aims to discuss issues and recent developments on intellectual property, such as open innovation and its impact on intellectual property, the protection of patents in the pharmaceutical area (including discussion on polymorphism and patens of second use), the protection of designs in the car spare part industry, the discussion about non-traditional brands, and relevant themes of international law, such as the possible adoption of the Madrid Protocol by Brazil and the use of intellectual property in international trade negotiations under the OMC.

In case you are interested in scheduling a meeting during the event, please write us to internacional@dmark.com.br in order to arrange it. If not, we look forward to seeing you at the event.

For more event details, please visit: www.abpi.org.br

Union Bank of Not Just California

DMark — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0300

As its original name implied, Union Bank has a big presence in the state of California but as the organization has grown, expanding into neighboring states like Oregon and Washington, and with two international offices and six in other states of the U.S., it was time to drop the “of California.”

In a letter issued to customers last month, Union Bank President and CEO Masa Tanaka explained:

“With the change in our name, it was necessary to update our logo, and this gave us a wonderful opportunity to develop a look that underscored the values that we hold close.”

“The most important among these values is a singular dedication to serving your financial needs, which we have very boldly illustrated by adopting a dominant U in our new look. We hope you will always consider it your personal invitation to let us provide your financial solutions.”

— Press Release

How a “dominant U” illustrates “a singular dedication to serving your financial needs” is beyond me, but I will side with Mr. Tanaka to say that the dominant U is quite nice. It has a lovely swooping feeling without looking weak or fleeting, and I absolutely appreciate that the design manages to convey dimension without resorting to shading and bubbly Photoshop effects. The typography is perfectly adequate although I suspect it will get a rise from Gotham haters.

Justice Ministry announces national campaign to combat piracy

DMark — Fri, 29 May 2009 00:00:00 -0300

The Minister of Justice, Tarso Genro, launched this Thursday (28), the National Plan to Combat Piracy. According to the project should be implemented around 23 actions until the end of 2012.

  On occasion, the minister said the project aims to aware the consumer about the damage caused by the purchase of pirated products. "The consumer has to understand that when he buys a pirated product, is buying against himself, is buying a bad product, which pays no taxes and reduces the collection and generation of jobs," he emphasized.

  According to Agência Brasil, the first actions should happen in the cities of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Ribeirão Preto and Curitiba.

  Among priority initiatives is the establishment of the program “Piracy Free City”, which will be conducted through a partnership between the federal government and municipalities against counterfeiting. Another project planned is the 'Trade against piracy', which will associate with retailers and shopping malls. But the 'Portal to fight piracy', is responsible for the dissemination of educational campaigns on the internet.

  It will also be performed an action toward the street traders. Called “Legal Fair”, the project seeks to replace the copied goods by originals in popular places of trade.

Source: Redação Adnews

Industries react against the pressure from Brazil and China

DMark — Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 -0300

... to facilitate access to clean energy technologies .

American industries decided to respond to the pressure that Brazil, China and India have done to facilitate access of clean energy technologies for developing countries in the midst of the negotiations of the new treaty to combat global warming at the UN.
The companies want to preserve intellectual property rights provided by patents that protect their technologies, to avoid that they are transferred to other countries. China has defended the use of compulsory licenses and breakage of patents in the area of clean energy.  Concerned with the course of this discussion, the industries formed a coalition to persuade U.S. authorities to resist the pressure from emerging countries. Baptized as Idea, the group has the General Electric and Microsoft among its members. "Some countries are using the discussions on climate changes in a timely manner to promote its industrial policies," said yesterday the director of intellectual property of GE, Carl Horton.

Source: Valor Online

Study says that piracy decreases in Brazil, but is growing in the world

DMark — Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 -0300

The rate of piracy in Brazil reduced in 2008 by about one percentage point, reaching 58%. However, the overall world rate has increased from 3% to 41%.

Despite the decrease in rate, the damage recorded in the domestic market took opposite way and increased 1.73% compared to 2000, costing more than $ 1.5 billion to software companies.  

According to the global study, which was prepared by IDC and released in Brazil by the Association of Software Companies (ABES) and by the Business Software Alliance (BSA), Brazil occupies the ninth position in the global ranking of piracy, however, also has performed better than the world average, whose loss rose 11%, equivalent to US$ 53.1 billion.  

According to the INFO Online, those responsible for the research highlight, however, that the exchange rate of the dollar eventually inflate the numbers. When we excluded the effect of exchange rates, the losses actually increased 5% (US$ 50.2 billion).   The study revealed also that with the overall growth, more of half the countries surveyed - 57 - managed to reduce piracy, and only 13 reported increases.

  Source: Portal Imprensa

U.S. accuse Argentina, Chile and Venezuela of violating intellectual rights

DMark — Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:00 -0300

Three days ago.  

WASHINGTON (AFP) - On this Thursday, the United States added Argentina, Chile and Venezuela in the list of violators of intellectual property rights, which, for the first time, includes Canada, Indonesia and Algeria.
"Canada was inserted for the first time in the Priority List of Surveillance”, says the annual report about the situation of intellectual property rights (IPR) protection and control.

The report "Special 301" held by the office of U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), points out that Algeria and Indonesia are also listed.  

Besides China, Russia, Canada, Indonesia and Algeria, other countries that are part of the list are Argentina, Chile, India, Israel, Pakistan, Thailand and Venezuela.  

Brazil and 32 other U.S. trading partners are in a less severe level of the relation, deserving "bilateral attention to address the problems of intellectual property rights."  

The list that includes Brazil has Bolivia, Brunei, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Finland, Guatemala, Hungary, Italy, Lebanon, Mexico, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey and Vietnam, among others.