Fred is a former diplomat who joined Harris Bricken after more than a decade of international legal experience, primarily in China, Vietnam, and Thailand. His wide range of experience includes starting and operating his own business in Asia, working as an in-house counsel for a Hong Kong-based multinational, as well as many years as a State Department official, providing a client-centric perspective to his legal work. Fred co-hosts Harris Bricken’s weekly Global Law and Business podcast, which covers legal and economic developments in locales around the world to decipher global trends in law and business with the help from international guests.
Back in April, we discussed Florida law enforcement’s concerns over THC edibles whose packaging infringed on the trademarks of famous candy brands. These fakes have the potential to confuse consumers, as well as help minors conceal their use of THC products. We revisited the topic earlier this month, when we argued that the USPTO’s refusal
On May 13, the health committee of Spain’s Congress of Deputies approved a proposal to create a subcommittee that will consider other countries’ experiences with medical cannabis. The subcommittee’s findings could pave the way for medical cannabis legalization in Spain. According to a recent poll, approximately 90% of Spaniards would favor such a move. Spain
As we often point out in these pages, cannabis companies are unable to register trademarks for many of the core products. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) “refuses to register marks for goods and/or services that show a clear violation of federal law, regardless of the legality of the activities under state law.”
In recent weeks, I have spoken to several entrepreneurs interested in growing cannabis in Africa for exportation to the United States and other markets. It is not hard to see their attraction to the idea: The areas in question have suitable climates to grow cannabis, while inputs such as land and labor are relatively inexpensive.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s policy of rejecting applications to register trademarks that identify nonhemp cannabis products, as well as certain hemp CBD products, reflects an unduly doctrinaire approach that ultimately makes Americans less safe. As the cannabis industry continues to enter the business mainstream, the extension of trademark rights to cannabis companies’ products
April 11 was a big date on Latin America’s election calendar, with Peru holding the first round of its presidential elections and Ecuador a decisive second round. For cannabis observers, the day began with the prospect of encouraging results in both countries. Instead, the outcome was a double disappointment. In Peru, the two candidates that
Two companies that provide data to the hemp industry are embroiled in a trademark dispute. New Leaf Data Services (“New Leaf”) sued PanXchange in Connecticut federal court, alleging that PanXchange’s offer of services under marks such as PANXCHANGE® HEMP BENCHMARKS constitutes infringement of New Leaf’s supplemental trademark registration, HEMP BENCHMARKS (Reg. No. 5079914). The case
Five* Latin American nations are holding presidential elections in 2021, with some important legislative elections taking place as well. Some of these contests have implications for cannabis policy, and we will be looking at what is at stake in each vote. In January, we previewed Ecuador’s presidential contest, the second round of which will be
Florida officials are on “high alert” as THC edibles “are making their way into the hands of children and teens.” Of particular concern is the fact that the goods in question “bear a striking resemblance to ordinary candy.” An image shared by the Charlotte Country Sheriff’s Office shows bags prominently featuring the trademarks of well-known
On March 11, Morocco’s cabinet approved a bill to legalize medical cannabis. The bill will now pass to Morocco’s parliament for consideration. If the bill ultimately succeeds, Morocco will become a true pioneer, as only the second country in the Arab world to legalize any form of cannabis. Under the terms of the bill, cannabis
