Famous athletes often file their name as a trademark. They often hold these registrations in their own IP company. This way, the athlete can cash in on his/her popularity and tackle use of their name by third parties. This is not limited to sportsmen (such as Max Verstappen or Ronaldo). José Mourinho is probably the most famous football (soccer) coach worldwide. After Chelsea won almost everything under his rule in 2005, the club files the name and signature of the trainer as a trademark, but on the name of the club as a holder. » trademark-registration

Humor is not equally appreciated by everyone. After the riot with Jan Kooijman, sauce maker Remia is back on the game with its BBQ sauce advertisement. On the label of “Black Jack Smokey BBQ sauce” is stated: "For real men only" and "Real men, real meat, real sauce ... Meat is for men, vegetables for cows!" A complaint is made on grounds of gender discrimination and offensiveness to vegetarians and vegans. The statement is therefore offensive and in violation of Articles 2 and 4 of the dutch media code, so it must be prohibited. » advertising-law

Two requirements have to be met to claim design protection of a product through a registered design. The design must be new and have its individual character. A product has individual character if it makes a different overall impression from already existing designs. The freedom of the designer plays a role in this (designs may vary a lot or a little). If that freedom is very limited (for example due to technical requirements), smaller differences will be sufficient for a different general impression. The basic shape for the Porsche 911 dates from 1963. Almost every year Porsche makes slight design modifications, for which design rights are claimed. Is this possible? » design-law

Bentley Clothing has been selling garments, such as T-shirts, sweatshirts and hats, in the UK since 1962. Their products sell at prices between £ 25 and £ 45. Bentley Motors, also from the UK, has been known as a car maker under the brand BENTLEY for almost 100 years (its entry level model starting at £ 135,000). In addition to cars, the company sells clothing with the stylized B logo (not using the wordmark Bentley). » trademarks

AMS Neve manufactures and sells audio equipment in the United Kingdom. The trademark 1073 is registered in the European Union for recording equipment in class 9. AMS Neve files a lawsuit in England against Heritage Audio from Spain, for selling counterfeit equipment under the mark 1073. As proof, twitter messages and e-mails directed at English consumers are submitted. » internet-online-branding