Startups

The Federal Civil and Commercial Court of Appeals (Division III) undetook a new chapter in the trademark dispute between McDonald’s and the Argentine chain Mostaza in Docket No. 7609/2025 (“Mc Donald’s International Property Company Ltd v. Mostaza y Pan S.A s/ medidas cautelares”). The court upheld a precautionary measure in favor of McDonald’s against Mostaza, ordering the immediate cessation of the use of the designation "MEGA TASTY".

A recent verdict by the National Civil and Commercial Federal Court No. 10 undertook a high-profile trademark dispute between Apple Inc. and Swatch AG. Both companies faced each other in Docket Nos. 580/16 and 7945/16 (“Apple Inc v. Swatch AG s/ cese de oposición al registro de marca” and “Swatch AG c/ Apple Inc s/ cese de oposición al registro de marca”) over the registration of the trademarks "IWATCH" and "ISWATCH", related to products in classes 9 and 14 (technology and watchmaking).

The Federal Civil and Commercial Court of Appeals (Division II), once again put a classic trademark law debate on the table: how far does the protection of a shape extend when it comes to common forms in a product?

We are pleased to share that Lerman & Szlak has been recognized in the 2026 edition of the IP STARS rankings by Managing IP, with distinctions for both our intellectual property practice and members of our team.

The National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) has adopted, through INPI Resolution No. 297/2026, new Regulations governing administrative trademark opposition proceedings. Published in the Official Gazette, the Resolution introduces changes aimed at simplifying and expediting trademark opposition proceedings, streamlining their various stages and aligning them with the INPI’s current procedural framework.

In the recent article “ARGENTINA: INPI Issues First Ex Officio Trademark Nullity Decisions on Relative Grounds” published on August 5, 2026 in the INTA Bulletin, our partner Celia Lerman and our legal intern Victoria Weinmeister Diez, analyzed a highly significant change in Argentine trademark practice: the INPI began issuing the first ex officio trademark nullity decisions on relative grounds, marking a shift in the exercise of its administrative review powers. 

We are proud to share that our partner Celia Lerman has been appointed as a member of the International Games and Esports Tribunal (IGET), an international dispute resolution body for the video game and Esports industries established through a collaboration between the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC).

The National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) approved Resolution 215/2026, published on July 6, 2026, which fully replaces Annexes III and IV of INPI Resolution P-183/2018. The reform reorganizes the administrative procedures for trademark invalidity and cancellation due to non-use of registered trademarks, seeking greater speed and predictability.

Following a recent article published by World Trademark Review (WTR) on an important Argentine ruling concerning trade dress and packaging protection, which includes the opinion of our partner Celia Lerman, we hereby present some of the main aspects of the decision and its practical impact for companies.