Back in the 1980’s Madonna scored a worldwide hit with her single “Material Girl”. In almost all English speaking countries, and in most non-English speaking countries, the single landed a number one spot on the hit parades. Fast forward to 2010 as Madonna decides to launch her own clothing line MATERIAL GIRL. The clothing is inspired by fashion trends from the 80’s and will be sold exclusively at Macy’s.

Slogans that are protected as a trademark are making a real comeback. Since the judgment of the European Court in VORSPRUNG DURCH TECHNIK, proprietors are readily and successfully invoking their rights. The Benelux is no exception.

Red Bull and The Bulldog have been entangled in a legal battle over the use of the name THE BULLDOG for an energy drink since 2003. In 2007 the District Court decides that there is no infringement on the trademark RED BULL. The average consumer does not assume there is a connection between the two trademarks. According to the court there is also no risk of damage to RED BULL’s reputation. The European Court, however, issued a very significant decision in the L’Oreal vs Bellure case, which will have large implications on the fortune of The Bulldog.

For many years now the BURBERRY pattern has been a familiar sight in the fashion industry. Because the pattern is very distinct and recognizable, Burberry has been able to register the pattern as a European figurative trademark. This fact, however, does not stop everyone from introducing similar marks on the market.