Yes, in the Benelux, a family name or personal name can serve as a trademark. However, trademark rights are not absolute in this case. If someone else has the same name, they are generally allowed to continue using it. It is possible, though, to prohibit someone from starting a business under the same name if they intend to offer identical products or services (for example, a second VERKADE for cookies is not allowed, even if your name is FEER VERKADE). In some countries, names listed in phone books, common names, or names of well-known individuals, such as a president’s name, are not accepted as trademarks. However, this rule does not apply in the Benelux.
