Final year LLB student Michelle Tong wins IP writing contest

In the context of her intellectual property (IP) law course, Dr Eleonora Rosati (Associate Professor in IP law at the University of Southampton) has recently organized a writing contest aimed at students enrolled in this Year 3 LLB module.

The contest consisted of analyzing and commenting on the practical significance of a recent decision of the EUIPO Opposition Division concerning an opposition to the registration of the figurative sign ‘PAPADIABLO’ as an EU trade mark for well-known alcoholic beverage mezcal.

Michelle Tong won the writing contest and, as a prize, her contribution will be published as a Current Intelligence note in the Journal of Intellectual Property Law & Practice, an international peer-reviewed journal published by Oxford University Press.

Dr Rosati praised Michelle’s work for the insightful analysis of the content of the decision and its implications.

Commenting on this experience, Michelle said: “Taking part in the writing contest was an excellent opportunity to consolidate my knowledge on trade marks by practicing on a real case, and receive feedback afterwards. Writing the case note required me to correctly identify pertinent legal issues, and display my analysis in a clear and succinct manner. I am very grateful for this opportunity and would definitely recommend students take advantage of any future contests. It was a highly rewarding experience; and knowing that my work will be published in a peer-reviewed IP journal will serve as a highlight of my time at Southampton.”