Companies invest much to position themselves in the market. The company’s name, the logo, the trademarks of products, all are important identifiers for consumers. Signs that separate one company from another. But a trademark is more than just a distinguishing mark. It symbolizes the goodwill built up by the company and thus represents a large financial value for the company. Protect your goodwill therefore.
Trademark rights in most countries are not acquired by use of a sign but only by registration. The registration of a domain name or a trade mark gives no rights! Only registration of a sign as a trade mark shall confer these rights.
For successful expansion of activities, it is therefore wise (actually necessary) to request protection for the most important signs. Think not only of names, but also of: logos, slogans, special packaging, shapes of products, colors, smells, videos and all other identifiers that a company could use to position itself in the market. Only if these characters are registered as a trademark, can one invoke any rights in case of, for example, trademark infringement or to claim priority of new domain names.
If you want to register your trademark in the European Union, please contact us at info@abcor-ip.com
Ever since the 1960s, Dr. Martens has been selling their boots. A signature element of their brand is the contrasting thick yellow stitching at the edge of the sole. Given
The Chinese market now consists of 1.4 billion consumers. China is not only a production country, but is also an attractive market for more and more companies. When a product
For years people have been fighting against the name WASHINGTON REDSKINS. In 1993, the National Congress of American Indians stated that the club name is derogatory and racist to Native
Shapemarks are not uncommon in the chocolate industry. Think of Toblerone’s triangular shape, Tony Chocolonely’s unevenly spaced blocks and last but not least the famous KitKat bar. Ritter Sport has
Although it seems talks are still continuing between EU and the British government, it looks like we should seriously consider the possibility of a hard Brexit as per January 1st
Logos are very important in fashion. Consumers usually have the first glance at clothing hanging or lying in the store shelves and they recognize the brand immediately by the neck
Many companies use (semi) descriptive brand names. The advantage being that the brand name immediately clarifies what product/service is offered. The disadvantage is that such brand names are often not
Famous athletes often file their name as a trademark. They often hold these registrations in their own IP company. This way, the athlete can cash in on his/her popularity and
When examining a new trademark application, the authorities also assess whether the trademark may be in breach of public policy and the accepted principles of morality. The Benelux authorities are
A trademark is under obligation of use five years from filing. Since proof of use can be difficult to collect (see BigMac –Abcors ABC-no. 35), companies re-file their most important
Call us: 071-5763116 or send an e-mail to: 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
Frambozenweg 109-111
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Tel: 071-5763116
Fax: 071-5768947
E-mail: info@abcor-ip.com
Visiting address Southern part of The Netherlands
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Visiting address Belgium
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Abcor is a member of the following industry and quality organizations: Benelux Association of Trademark and Design Law, International Trademark Association, Advertising Law Association.
