BMW stops DMW Riskja

BMW has been around for almost 100 years, making motorcycles (since 1923) and cars (since 1928). The company has registered its trademark rights worldwide. In India, these rights go back to 1956. When Balajee Automobile offers electrically powered rickshaws under the DMW brand in 2013, BMW objects to this.

The company refuses to comply with the demand to stop this, so BMW is forced go to court.

The court is clear in its decision. The DMW and BMW brands are visually and audibly similar. The company tries to ride the coat-tails on BMW's reputation and goodwill. A ban is issued on the production, export, import, promotion and sale of these products.

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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?