RESCHEDULED Retromark: The Conference – Now on 23 June 2026

Key Takeaways

• Conference moved to 23 June 2026 because of Tube strike
• New registrations required; previous sign‑ups not transferred
• Free tickets limited; charity ticket supports Bowel Cancer UK
• Keynote by EUIPO Board of Appeal member Gordon Humphreys
• Panels discuss post‑SkyKick bad‑faith filing and consumer perception

Summary

The seventh annual Retromark conference has been shifted to Tuesday 23 June 2026 due to a London Tube strike. Attendees must re‑register as previous sign‑ups do not carry over, and tickets remain free but limited. The agenda features a keynote by EUIPO Board of Appeal member Gordon Humphreys and two panels tackling post‑SkyKick trademark filing practices and the legal definition of the average consumer. Proceeds from optional charity tickets will support Bowel Cancer UK.

Pulse Analysis

Retromark’s relocation to June 2026 underscores how external disruptions, such as transportation strikes, can ripple through niche professional gatherings. For trademark lawyers and brand managers, the need to re‑register highlights the importance of flexible event planning and real‑time communication channels. The conference’s free‑ticket model, coupled with a charitable component for Bowel Cancer UK, also reflects a growing trend of blending professional development with social responsibility, a factor that can enhance attendee goodwill and sponsor appeal.

The program’s centerpiece—a keynote by Gordon Humphreys of the EUIPO Board of Appeal—offers a rare glimpse into the European Union’s appellate perspective on trademark disputes. His insights are especially valuable as the EUIPO continues to refine its approach to bad‑faith filings, a topic directly addressed in the first panel on post‑SkyKick jurisprudence. Practitioners will gain actionable guidance on navigating recent case law, mitigating risk, and aligning filing strategies with evolving standards of good faith across jurisdictions.

The second panel shifts focus to consumer perception, dissecting the “average consumer” doctrine through recent UK cases like Morleys and Iconix. Understanding how courts assess consumer mindset is critical for brand owners seeking robust protection and for litigators crafting arguments around likelihood of confusion. By converging these high‑level discussions with networking opportunities, Retromark positions itself as a pivotal forum for IP professionals aiming to stay ahead of regulatory shifts and market realities.