Katy Perry Wins Trademark Against Australian Designer Katie Perry

Nov 22 2024

Katy Perry has successfully appealed a trademark decision regarding her name, after being sued by Australian designer Katie Taylor, who sells clothes under her birth name, Katie Perry.

On Friday, three appeal judges overturned a 2023 court ruling that favoured Taylor, who had challenged the use of Perry’s name on merchandise sold during her 2014 tour of Australia.

The judges determined that Perry had been using her name as a trademark for five years before Taylor launched her business, noting Perry’s established “international reputation” in entertainment by that time.

As a result, the judges canceled Taylor’s trademark registration. Taylor, comparing the case to “David and Goliath,” expressed her concerns over the decision.

The judges acknowledged the unfortunate situation, noting that both women had worked hard to build their businesses without knowledge of the other’s existence.

The judge who previously sided with Taylor had referenced one of Perry’s songs in her ruling, calling it “a tale of two women, two teenage dreams, and one name.”

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MCAST Students Organize Picnic On The Road Protest

Nov 22 2024

The Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) started a teacher strike on October 4, 2024, and students at the Malta College for Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST) are complaining about it. Due to the strike’s serious disruption of academic progress, many students are unsure of their futures.

Delays in confirming assignment briefs, withholding grades, and limited staff-management contact are among the main complaints. The difficulties presented by the union’s directives have put students in a state of uncertainty, with some contemplating dropping out.

The “Tuna Edukazzjoni” movement was started by students in reaction, calling for the restoration of communication, the abolition of administrative passes that compromise real performance, and validated assignment briefs.

A picnic road protest is scheduled for Wednesday, November 27 at 11:45 AM outside MCAST Mosta (Lidl Road) in an attempt to raise awareness of their issues. Given how important instructors are to their academic careers, students call for immediate government support and involvement.

The ad emphasises the growing belief among students that education is essential to their future and that the situation must be resolved right away. Their message is unmistakable: value education, respect students, and assist educators.

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Prime Minister Inaugurates Imsida Primary School

Nov 22 2024

Prime Minister Robert Abela inaugurated the Achille Ferris Primary School in Msida, a school that has been rebuilt as a carbon-neutral facility.

The new school combines a beautifully designed educational environment with the original aesthetic of its façade and state-of-the-art interior facilities.

The new 10,000-square-meter school was built with an investment of €24 million, partially funded by Malta’s Recovery and Resilience Plan through the European Union. Sustainability features prominently in the design, including solar panels and temperature regulation in classrooms.

The school comprises approximately 40 classrooms, including specialised ones for subjects like personal and social development, art, music, science, literacy, and ethics. It also includes a public library, a hall, recreational spaces for community use after school hours, and facilities for the Msida Sea Scouts.

Beneath the school, there is a two-level car park.

During his visit, Prime Minister Abela described the investment as an example of the government’s commitment to quality in the education sector.

“Today, we inaugurate a carbon-neutral school because this represents both the present and the future,” he remarked, emphasising the need for quality-driven investments across the country. He also praised educators as key drivers of children’s development, highlighting improved pay and conditions resulting from Malta’s economic strength.

Education Minister Clifton Grima emphasised the event as a celebration of the students’ future and the educators’ dedication.

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16 Days Of Activism Against Domestic Violence

Nov 22 2024

Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms Rebecca Buttigieg, Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon, and Dr. Lydia Abela have launched the national campaign “Together We Stand. Together We Heal.” The campaign marks 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence.

Running from November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day, the campaign aims to raise awareness about gender-based and domestic violence through activities highlighting consent, the complexity of violence, and available support services.

Parliamentary Secretary Buttigieg emphasized the campaign’s message: collective action is essential to address this social issue.

Minister Falzon noted that over 530 cases of domestic violence have been handled by MARAM this year, 15 of which required immediate police action. He stressed the prevalence of intimate partner violence in these cases.

Dr. Abela highlighted education as key to fostering change, adding that while progress has been made, the biggest shift must occur in societal attitudes.

The campaign draws from Malta’s third National Strategy on Gender-Based Violence, with 60% of its measures already underway.

The campaign includes free roadshows featuring theatrical productions in five locations, showcasing diverse forms of violence and their solutions.

The public is invited to attend, free of charge, the roadshows which start at 1900hrs:

Rabat, November 27th – Palazzo Xara Kazin Tal-Banda – L’Isle Adam

St Paul’s Bay, November 29th, St Paul’s Bay Primary School

Gzira, December 4th, Sala Parrokjali

Fgura, December 7th, Sala tal-Kunsill Lokali

Rabat, Ghawdex, December 10th, Sala 2 of Cittadella

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