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Republic of Mauritius joins WIPO

Republic of Mauritius joins WIPO

Through the International Registration route, companies can easily claim trademark rights in many countries. The big advantages are the cost (relatively cheap) and the central management of trademarks, which makes the managing of these rights more efficient cheaper. Many countries have joined in recent years, including Chile, Jamaica, Cape Verde, Belize and most recently Mauritius. That brings the number of countries where protection can be claimed through WIPO to 130 countries. (Source image: Abcor) » trademark-registration
Mountain top or Marlboro roof

Mountain top or Marlboro roof

A brand is more than just a word or a logo. The design of (or a part of) the packaging can also function as a sign of recognition. Because consumers can recognize a brand in this design, companies often register these designs. Clever, because copy-cats are always lurking. » trademarks
Thom Browne - three or four stripes

Thom Browne - three or four stripes

Logos sometimes consist of simple geometric figures, such as lines, dashes, circles, dots or squares. This leads to a limited protection for such a logo. Consequence: it is difficult to object to similar signs. » trademarks
H&M rubbish featuring Justin Bieber

H&M rubbish featuring Justin Bieber

As a part of Justin Bieber's world tour, H&M launched a hoodie and bag featuring pictures of Justin Bieber. H&M has produced similar lines before. This time however, internal communication and legal checks did not seem to have gone smoothly. » internet-online-branding
PEPSI prevents PAUPSY Concept store

PEPSI prevents PAUPSY Concept store

In 2020 Paupsy opened its doors. Paupsy is a concept store which sells clothes, shoes and jewelry. The instance their trademark was applied for clothing and bags, PEPSI objected. Well-known brands such as PEPSI often register their trademarks not only for their core business, but also for other goods and services. The reason for this is to prevent other companies from catching on to the trademark's reputation, but also because these trademarks are often licensed to third parties to use. » trademarks
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Abcors ABChronicle no 47 Abcors ABChronicle no 47
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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?
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