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Trademark registration

Trademark registration, information about registration of European community trademarks, Benelux trademarks, logos, slogans, packaging, 3D ,marks, color marks, smell marks, movies, non-traditional marks and any other identification of a company. »

Trademark search

Trademark availability search, importance of prior trademark search, conflicting prior company names, visual, aural or conceptual similar trademarks »

Trademark infringement, trademark issues and oppositions

The importance of taking actions against trademark infringement, trademark issues and timely filing of trademark oppositions. Avoid lost revenue and dilution of goodwill. Avoid customers will be redirected to alternative products. Confusingly similar marks. The passive attitude of Benelux authorities, no examination on relative grounds. Trademark owner responsible for checking if similar marks have been registered. »

Design Registration

The importance and benefits of design patent registration, European community designs, Benelux designs, protection of design, IP value contribution of design registrations, benefits of a design registration by licensing of products »

Domain Names

Domain name registration, domain name watch services, request new extensions, new gTld and cctld domain name portfolio management, strategic advice what to register, domain name conflicts, domain name disputes, WIPO domain name arbitration, Sunrise, Trademark Clearinghouse »

Internet online branding social media

Strategy, online branding, domain name hijacking, typo squatting, online counterfeit, Google Adwords, take down procedures, WIPO domain name arbitration and mediation centre. »

Trademark watch services, mark monitoring

Importance of trademark watching services, procedures against similar marks Benelux opposition procedure, European opposition procedure, cease and desist letters. »

Goodwill business / IP check

Goodwill protection, goodwill check, due diligence, creation of intellectual property, licensing, distribution agreements, trademarks, designs, patents, designs, advertising, social media accounts »

Copyright and advertising law

Copyright, advertising law, what is allowed in the parody, freedom of speech, portrait rights, privacy protection »

Patents

Patents, legal requirements, technical character, inventions what is new and innovative. What and where to register? How to renew, renewal fees. Dutch Patents, Writing a good patent application. »

Secondment - temporary support

Secondment, temporary support by maternity leave, support by due diligence, acquisition and integration IP portfolios »
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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?