André Rieu is one of the most successful classical musicians in the Netherlands. For that reason he has registered both his name and his portrait as a trademark. Of course, there are always those who wish to prey on success. In the fall of 2009 a collector’s magazine appeared named “André Rieu, from choir boy to violin idol”.

Humor and trademark law do not go well together. In order to prevent any misuse by third parties it is advisable to always register your slogans. The Dutch national airport Schiphol has recently been a live testimony of this importance. The company Optitrade started a campain for selling het glasses under the name TRY BUY SEE. The main prize: a free airline ticket. Schiphol uses the slogan SEE BUY FLY for her shopping services.

With regards to global advertising the same campains are sometimes used in many different countries. This is not without always risk. The image above provided some commotion in Switzerland, since the pictured cow is Austrian according to the ear brands.