Trademark news

Klinsmann – Panini: 2-1

When Jürgen Klinsmann seeks trademark protection of a silhouette image of his bicycle kick in the match against Bayern Munich for print, clothing and beverages, Panini objects. » trademarks

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

The risk of restyling a logo- Red Bull vs Bullsone

Bullsone markets automotive cleaning and maintenance products. In South Korea, the company has a market share of 90%. An aggressive bull features as their logo. Red Bull is one of the best known brands of energy drink. Their logo depicts 2 bulls charging against each other. In 2011 Bullsone decided to change its logo. When Bullsone prepares to enter the Austrian market, Red Bull starts a lawsuit demanding a ban on the Bullsone logo in the European Union. » trademarks

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

Limited protection of a company name

Many companies seem to think that listing the company’s name in the commercial register at the Chamber of Commerce or having the internet domain provides sufficient protection against third parties from acting under a similar name. Unfortunately quite often that is not the case. A trademark registration on the other hand gives a better chance of claiming the company’s name exclusively. » tradenames
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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?