Trademark news

EasyGroup misses the mark

EasyGroup (established in 1995) uses a wide range of Easy names, such as EasyJet, EasyHotel and EasyCar. EASYJET was registered as a European trademark in 2015. When other companies try to register any names containing EASY, the company almost always takes immediate action.Since 2007 Easy Fly Express (from Bangladesh) has been offering air cargo services in Asia. The internet domain <easyfly-express.com> was registered in January 2014. The logo of the freight company is suspiciously similar to that of EasyJet (matching color, layout and font). Reason for EasyGroup to start an URDP procedure and demand transfer of the domain name. » domain-names

25 million for .APP - auction new gTld

Up until now there has not been much attention for the launch of the new domain name extensions in the Benelux. Worldwide, however, there is a true war going on where only the strongest win. Important new alternatives for the .COM extensions are .APP, .ONLINE, .STORE en .SHOP. » domain-names

Launch .AMSTERDAM

In almost complete silence the extension .AMSTERDAM was launched last March. We believe this extension does deserve attention because it will be an important alternative to the .nl extension in the Netherlands. From June 1 to August 14 companies may register for a domain name. » domain-names

Fryslân Boppe; launch .FRL

After a test phase of three months the .FRL extension (for Friesland, a province of the Netherlands) was launched. A hundred prominent Frisian organizations (such as Boomsma, van de Beerenburg and province Fryslân) have converted their old .nl website to the new .FRL. Of course .FRL is also open to companies and persons who are from outside of Friesland. » domain-names

UDRP Procedure - Ex-publisher loses rights to dirkjan.nl

Mark Retera (winner of the comic prize 2004) has been publishing the comic book Dirkjan since 1989. The main character Dirkjan has been registered as a trademark in the Benelux since 2013. The domain name DIRKJAN.NL has been registered in 1999 and acquired by defendant in 2011. In the period between 2004 and 2009 the defendant has published the comic. When the cooperation ceases, defendant refuses to transfer the domain name. The domain name redirects to defendant’s website, where he sells Dirkjan comics, but also other comics. » domain-names
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IP quiz Trademarks

Puma is one of the bigger sports and lifestyle brands in the world. The core-business is the design, development and sale of (sports) shoes, (sports) clothing and accessories. In 1960, Puma registered an international trademark for a device designed in 1958: the formstrip. Since then, Puma has registered approximately 90 formstrip trademarks with validity in the Benelux or the European Union. Puma claims that this is a serial mark. Monshoe is a wholesaler of women's shoes and related products. The company designs and develops Monshoe shoes which it largely markets itself. Monshoe sells its women's shoes under the brands Shoecolate and Pearlz. The shoe Shoecolate is offered in various colour combinations. Puma claims that Monshoe infringes its well-known formstrip trademark. Monshoe contradicts this and states that the average consumer will not perceive the device of Monshoe on the sneakers as a trademark. And if the public will recognize a trademark in the decoration, it will not make the connection to Puma. According to Monshoe, the formstrip logo is not a well-known trademark within the meaning of the BVIE and the UMVo. There is no likelihood of confusion because the sign does not or hardly evoke any association with Puma among the public. In light of the above, who is right? Does this constitute decorative use or linking to a well-known trademark?