A Dutch chain of petrol stations has been using a fictional character named “Tom de Ridder” in its radio commercials since 2009, in order to promote its payment card and parking services. In 2015, the company decides to change the name to TOM. To prevent problems, the company discusses the plans with TomTom (the well known car navigation brand). » trademarks

Starting last summer, Sezen Sümer joined Abcor’s team as a trademark assistant, after doing her thesis research within our office. She wrote about the problems that arise as a result of the introduction of the certification mark and its consequences for previously registered trademarks, since these now are vulnerable to (partial) cancelations. This thesis will be published in collaboration with Leiden University of applied sciences, and will also be available on our website.   » other-general

Comparative advertising is allowed. Stronger still: comparative advertising should be considered a good thing. By comparative advertising consumers are better informed of the existence of equivalent alternatives. This allows for more competition, thus enabling consumers to purchase comparable products at a better price. Comparative advertising is therefore used to position private label products alongside premium brands. Lidl makes frequent use of this. However, there is a limit, as Lidl experienced with their “Cien Cellular beauty facial cream” campaign. » advertising-law

On TV the most horrifying images can be seen on a daily basis, violence and aggression alr also commonly seen in games. However, there are quite strict rules to ensure that the delicate child's soul does is not confronted with the rough realities of life. » advertising-law

This spring Ellen Streekstra and Tanja Oosterman joined Abcor. Ellen has been active as a trademark attorney for 20 years. She gained a lot of experience at various trademark agencies, including Bouma, Bakker & Verkuijl and Kneppelhout & Korthals. She also worked as an in-house attorney for several years at Berggruen Group, where she managed the trademark portfolio of German department store Karstadt. Tanja has worked as a paralegal for various trademark agencies over the past 10 years. Ellen and Tanja will focus on SME and our international practice. » other-general