The European authorities agree with Adidas. Adidas shows (with statements and proof) that its trademark is indeed famous. The Cruyff trademark is a sporting shirt that has two stripes along its sleeves. Since Adidas’ three stripes are very famous the consumer will immediately associate the T-shirt with Adidas. Furthermore, merchandising products are usual with large sporting events and the consumer may also assume that the Cruyff products are in fact Adidas’. The fact that Johan Cruyff was the only player in 1974 who was not sponsored by Adidas and thus has two stripes on his shirt did not change the matter. Adidas emerged as the victor.
