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Misleading and fraudulent Invoices

Misleading and fraudulent Invoices

It remains an evil that we cannot rid: misleading and phantom invoices. When someone applies for a trademark to be registered, the applicant often receives a letter or invoice from a rogue company sooner than one from the authorities. By using highly similar logos, people may think they are dealing with official authorities. Consequence: payments of up to €2,300 are made for publication on a totally meaningless website. A good example of this are the invoices from EUOIP (Not to be confused with the EUIPO). » other-general
Buro Blanchard to partner with Abcor trademark agency

Buro Blanchard to partner with Abcor trademark agency

In order to secure continued support of its customers IP assets, Buro Blanchard decided to formalize the collaboration with Abcor trademark agency of Leiden, the Netherlands. Buro Blanchard and Abcor had been informally working together for several years. Not to anyone’s surprise because Frans Blanchard and Theo-Willem van Leeuwen (founder and CEO of Abcor) had known each other since the 1990’s from the advertising business. » other-general
Abcor ranked in WTR1000

Abcor ranked in WTR1000

Trademark agencies are ranked annually based on independent assessments by clients, carried out by several different organizations. These rankings are of great importance, as it gives a firm recognition of their services and provides insight in the client’s satisfactory. The leading ranking institution in this respect, is the WTR 1000. The WTR 1000 lists the leading companies in the field of trademark law per country. We are proud to announce that this year, Abcor is once again recommended in the WTR1000 for the Benelux. » other-general
New arrivals

New arrivals

Zoeloe van der Linden (left) and Louis Keijzer (right) have recently joined team Abcor. Zoeloe has previously worked at Novagraaf for 6 years, ever since graduating from law school. Within Abcor, Zoeloe will focus as a Benelux and European Certified Trademark Attorney on large SMEs and international customers.Louis started his journey at Abcor as a paralegal, straight out of law school. He wrote his final thesis based on a research into the IP protection of graphical user interfaces. » other-general
Levin Nyman - Deceptive renewal offers

Levin Nyman - Deceptive renewal offers

Many EU trademark holders have been approached by a firm named Levin Nyman & Partners recently. This Finnish company offers renewals of EU trade marks at excessive prices. If signed off, payment is demanded; even if the client changes his mind. The Finnish company is not registered with any Chamber of Commerce; in fact, the company is not located at the office address stated on the letterhead. The phone number (masked by a QR code) is not in use. » other-general
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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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