MarkIt to Market® – July 2026

Welcome to the quarterly issue of Sterne Kessler’s MarkIt to Market® newsletter, featuring recent developments in brand protection and emerging issues impacting trademark and copyright owners.

Sterne Kessler’s Trademark & Brand Protection practice helps companies of all sizes build, protect, and strengthen brands worldwide. This dynamic area of intellectual property law is constantly evolving, and our quarterly updates keep you informed of the latest trends and key decisions.

Thanks for your readership. If there is something you would like us to cover, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us and let us know!

Kind regards,

Monica Riva Talley

In this Issue:

• TTAB Reminds Businesses That Trade Name Use Is Not Trademark Use, in Maple Leaf Cheesemakers Decision
• Short Stack, Tall Problem: Branding Guides and Functionality at the TTAB
• No Blue Ribbon for Reserving Trademark Rights: TTAB Reaffirms Bona Fide ITU Requirement
• Part 1: Drawing the Line: Dupes, Infringement, and Counterfeits
• Are You Already Creating the Evidence That Could Help Protect Your Brand?
• Great Brands Are Rarely Built by Accident