<------ RM_case studies ------> @vtunetwork Coca-Cola vs. Bisleri (2008) 1. The dispute involved the trademark "Maaza," originally owned by Bisleri, transferred to Coca-Cola for the Indian market. 2. In 2008, Bisleri applied for "Maaza" trademark registration in Turkey and started exporting it, violating the agreement. 3. Coca-Cola filed a lawsuit for infringement and sought a permanent injunction against Bisleri. 4. The court ruled in favor of Coca-Cola, granting an interim injunction against Bisleri for using "Maaza" in India and exports. 5. The case highlighted the importance of adhering to trademark agreements across borders. Apple vs. Samsung (2011) 1. In 2011, Apple sued Samsung for copying design elements of the iPhone, including rounded edges and interface features. 2. Samsung counterclaimed, alleging Apple violated its wireless technology patents. 3. After multiple lawsuits globally, the U.S. court ruled partially in favor of Apple and awarded $1 billion in damages (later reduced). 4. Both companies settled in 2018, after nearly seven years of legal battles. 5. The case redefined design and utility patent disputes in the technology industry. David Slater and the Monkey Selfie (2011) 1. British photographer David Slater’s camera was used by a macaque monkey in Indonesia to take selfies in 2011. 2. The dispute began when PETA filed a lawsuit claiming copyright on behalf of the monkey, arguing animals should own their creations. 3. In 2018, the court ruled that animals cannot hold copyrights under U.S. law. 4. Slater and PETA reached a settlement to donate a portion of proceeds to conservation efforts. 5. The case questioned the boundaries of copyright law and ethical wildlife photography. Turmeric/Curcuma Case Study (1995) 1. In 1995, two U.S. researchers were granted a patent for turmeric's wound-healing properties, a use well-known in India. 2. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) of India challenged the patent, citing prior traditional knowledge. 3. In 1997, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) revoked the patent, acknowledging the lack of novelty. 4. This case led to the creation of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) to prevent biopiracy. 5. It underscored the need to protect indigenous knowledge from misappropriation. Neem Case Study (1990s) 1. In the 1990s, W.R. Grace patented a method for neem oil extraction for pesticidal use, sparking outrage in India. 2. Indian activists, supported by organizations like RFSTE, challenged the patent in the European Patent Office (EPO). 3. In 2000, the EPO revoked the patent, citing prior traditional knowledge of neem’s uses. 4. The victory strengthened efforts to protect traditional knowledge globally. 5. This case became a landmark example of fighting biopiracy. Basmati Rice Case Study (1997) 1. In 1997, RiceTec Inc. received a patent for a hybrid rice variety it branded as "Basmati," causing concern in India and Pakistan. 2. India challenged the patent, arguing Basmati’s status as a geographical indication (GI) tied to the Indo-Gangetic plains. 3. In 2001, key claims in the patent were revoked by USPTO, although RiceTec retained rights to certain hybrid strains. 4. India later secured GI protection for Basmati in 2016, safeguarding its heritage. 5. The case highlighted the importance of protecting GI-linked products globally.