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The importance of recognition (acceptance speech President BMM 2021)

The importance of recognition (acceptance speech President BMM 2021)

I would like to finish by the fact that, due to the increasing attention to IP rights, it is now clear to the business world, that IP protection is an essential factor for driving and stimulating innovation within companies and for the survival of companies. However, it is not clear to everybody that this is a highly specialized profession. There ought to be recognition and awareness that the people who work in this area, are specialists. In addition, we must realize that staff can only flourish if they can and may be 100% themselves. Especially towards the SME, there is a great opportunity, to put our profession clearly on the map. There, it must be realized that a BMM member stands for quality, that the BMM membership is a guarantee to be able to separate the wheat from the chaff. Know, that I would like to guide that process for the next two years as your new president. » other-general
Abcor listed in 2021 World Trademark Review WTR1000

Abcor listed in 2021 World Trademark Review WTR1000

Every year many rankings of trademark agencies are published. These are important of course for us as an office and for companies seeking representative. The WTR1000 (World Trademark Review 2021) is regarded worldwide as the most important overview of trademark offices and companies in the field of trademark law. We are therefore proud and honored to be included in this year’s list of leading representatives in the Benelux. And with praise from our customers! » other-general
Benelux Intellectual Property Organisation Service - Fraudulent invoices

Benelux Intellectual Property Organisation Service - Fraudulent invoices

Fraudulent invoices are an ineradicable pest in our business, it is getting worse and worse. Recently invoices were sent using the logos of the official trademark authorities like BOIP, EUIPO and WIPO. These invoices featured charges for local advertisement in remote places but also for a renewals at registers of existing trademarks but for ridiculously high prices. The parties involved are no petty thieves or small criminals. » other-general
Jos van der Linden – new certified attorney Abcor

Jos van der Linden – new certified attorney Abcor

This January 17th our colleague Jos van der Linden passed the final exam of the 2 year professional training and certification program of the Benelux association of Trademark and Design Attorneys, for which he received the official certificate. Of the 22 candidates with whom the course started in 2018, 13 received the highly coveted certificate on this day. » other-general
New at Abcor

New at Abcor

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
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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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