Insights

Is Greta Thunberg’s trademark heading into hot waters?

Is Greta Thunberg’s trademark heading into hot waters?

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg has applied for an EU trademark for her name. It is common for celebrities to trademark their name. For example, Greta Garbo, Ed Sheeran and Lionel Messi are all registered trademarks in the EU. EU trademark GRETA THUNBERG covers, among...

Can you use another company’s trademark?

Can you use another company’s trademark?

Trademark right means that the owner is entitled to prevent others from using the same or a similar trademark with respect to the same or similar products. The Coca-Cola Company, for example, could prevent another soft drink manufacturer from using the trademark...

Trademarks are forever

Trademarks are forever

Most intellectual property rights, like patents, designs and copyright are temporally limited. Trademarks, however, can exist without any time limitations. In fact, many of today's famous trademarks have been registered already more than a hundred years ago. These...

7 things US companies should know about EU trademarks

7 things US companies should know about EU trademarks

Trademark substance and processes are very similar in every country. The basics don't change very much. However, there are many differences between the systems that applicant's should know. Here are seven important and practical things a US company should know about...

Cancelled BIG MAC trademark – where’s the beef?

Cancelled BIG MAC trademark – where’s the beef?

EUIPO's cancellation division decided last week that McDonald's EU trademark was revoked due to non-use. According to trademark law, if a registered trademark is not used for five years, it can be cancelled for non-use. The reason for this rule is to make sure...

What is an “international trademark”

What is an “international trademark”

The basic concept ​The basic concept is relatively simple. A trademark applicant submits a request for international registration of his trademark to World Intetellectual Property Organization, known as WIPO. WIPO will then forward that single application to all those...

4 common objections to filing a trademark application

4 common objections to filing a trademark application

Many companies think that registering a trademark is not important. Here are four reasons we hear the most. Reason 1 - We’re too small and it’s too early. Many companies think that trademarks are relevant when the brand is already big and valuable, or that since they...