Donald Trump’s patent chief, a Brexit energy drink & more…Keep up to date with the latest IP news in our weekly round-up…

Donald Trump’s patent chief to speak at right-wing fundraiser sponsored by Big Pharma

The head of the Trump administration’s patent and trademark office is the featured speaker at a fundraiser for the right-wing group – an event sponsored by pharmaceutical companies that have business with the agency.

Ugg: kick in the guts as Aussie maker loses US trademark case

The Australian Ugg boot maker Eddie Oygur has suffered a $450,000 loss in his “David vs. Goliath” legal fight with a major US footwear and apparel company. A jury in Chicago found Oygur’s business, Sydney-based Australian Leather, wilfully infringed a trademark registered to California-based Deckers Outdoor by selling ugg boots online to customers in the US.

Ariana Grande embroiled in copyright battle over Instagram posts of herself

Ariana Grande was accused of using two pictures she did not pay for on the social media site. The posts were reportedly to have garnered 3 million likes before being deleted. Robert Barbera, a professional photographer, claimed Grande never asked for permission to use two of his pictures.

And finally…

EU rejects trademark for ‘offensive’ Brexit energy drink

The European Union Intellectual Property Office denied a trademark for a ‘Brexit’ energy beverage back in 2016 after ruling the term was too ‘offensive’ to put on a can.