In 2012, the logo KIF RADIO was registered for radio broadcasting services. In 2023, revocation proceedings were initiated on the grounds that the trademark was not being genuinely used. By that time, the logo had changed substantially. The Benelux authorities and the Benelux Court of Justice agreed with this position. A trademark may be used in a form that differs from the registered version, provided that the differences do not alter its distinctive character. In this case, however, the changes were considered too significant due to the different typeface, colour scheme, positioning of the letter “I”, the overall design, composition and background, as well as the inclusion of different words. As a result, the trademark registration was revoked. Practical advice: Always register the word mark and re-file the logo after a substantial redesign or rebranding.
