The shape of a product can be protected as a trademark. In order to do so, it must differ significantly from what is already present in the market or has become very well known (acquired distinctiveness). When a trademark application is filed for the Cultcamper logo, Volkswagen successfully opposes it on the basis of its registered shape mark.
In a campaign ad for its sports bras Adidas states that not all breasts are the same. Adidas acknowledges this and launches a new line of sports bras with 43 different sizes. Visually, this is supported by displaying different women's breasts (on Twitter with 24 different breasts and on posters with 62 breasts and the pay-off: The reasons we didn't make just one new sports bra).
In 2015, two young entrepreneurs started Kever Genever. The aims is to get the younger generation to drink the traditional Dutch Gin (jenever). Last year, four readymade mixed drinks were launched in half-litre cans. The name John Lemon was chosen as a designation for the mix with lemon, syrup and water.
Mattel has been a producer of the Barbie fashion doll for over 60 years. When Jieyang Defa Industry applies for design protection in the European Union for a comparable doll's head, Mattel starts an invalidity proceeding against the application.
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.
Between 1960 and present Puma has obtained nearly 90 trademark registrations in Europe for its formstrip. When Monshoe launches sneakers with a similar imprint, Puma argues this constitutes an infringement of its serial trademark. Monshoe defends itself claiming that the consumer does not perceive a trademark in this, just a decorative print. The design hardly calls an association with Puma in the public’s mind.
Call us: 071-5763116 or send an e-mail: info@abcor-ip.com
Een korte introductie tekst over de nieuwsbrief waarin je uitlegt wat het is. Hoe je direct de nieuwste editie kunt lezen en hoe je je kunt abonneren. And click here for all the numbers.
Among others in this issue:
• EUIPO vs Mora TV: weigering geluidsmerk
• Jägermeister vs Alte Heiler: stop Russische copycat
• Stichting Nederlandse Top 40: gericht op Benelux?
• Tijdschrift HART vs Hermitage: soortgelijkheid
• Monique Granneman: nieuwe partner Abcor
