King.com is King of ‘Candy’: Candy Crush Saga Developer Granted US Trade Mark

3 February 2014
Candy Crush Saga, the brightly-coloured and highly addictive social game, followed the lead of other popular games, such as Angry Birds, to become an online phenomenon of its own. As one of the most popular online games and phone apps, it is no wonder that its developer, King.com Limited, has recognised the value of protecting its brand (they’re not alone - see our previous post here about Zynga’s protection of its registered trade mark “WITH FRIENDS”). Following a trade mark application almost a year ago, King has had its US trade mark application for the word ‘CANDY’ accepted in relation to video games, educational services and clothing items. [Note: King has also applied for a US trade mark registration for ‘SAGA’ and has opposed another developer’s trade mark application for the phrase ‘Banner Saga’].
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OAIC releases privacy ‘better practice guide’ for mobile app developers

4 October 2013
It’s not very often that we see regulators encouraging the use of graphics, colour and sound, but the ‘Mobile Privacy’ guide (Guide), released by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) on Monday does just that. These ‘common sense’ lessons can be adopted with much broader application than just the privacy space [Eds: we’re imagining clear, colourful, social media house rules or website terms and conditions!]. The Guide is a ‘better practice guide’ for mobile app developers grappling with their privacy requirements, both under the existing National Privacy Principles (NPPs), and the incoming Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), which will commence from 12 March 2014. A copy of the Guide is available online here.
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