Judgment of 25 June 2025 in Case T-239/23, NERO CHAMPAGNE / Champagne (GI), EU:T:2025:638 The NERO CHAMPAGNE trademark judgment addresses the relationship between EU trademark registration and the protection of geographical indications. On 25 June 2025, the General Court of the European Union delivered its judgment in Case T-239/23. The dispute concerned the registration of…
NERO CHAMPAGNE: When Can a Trademark Use a Protected Designation of Origin?
The General Court of the European Union clarifies the conditions for registering trademarks containing protected designations of origin. It also highlights the need to assess the risk of unfairly exploiting their reputation. Can a company register a trademark containing a protected designation of origin if its products meet all the requirements for using that designation?…
Misleading Letters Regarding European Trademark Fees
An Ongoing Problem for Trademark Applicants Misleading letters asking trademark applicants to pay considerable sums to questionable organizations are nothing new. Applicants often believe they are paying legitimate fees for their European trademark applications. For years, scammers from various countries have sent letters by post. Their goal is to collect unauthorized fees. How Do These…
Shopify vs. Shoppi Trademark Dispute
The “Case law bit: Shoppi” on the EUIPO Academy platform addresses the trademark dispute involving Community trademark “Shopify” and its registered classes 9, 35, 36 and 42. The case analysis emphasizes the criteria for assessing the likelihood of confusion (LOC) between trademarks, particularly highlighting the importance of the distinctiveness of earlier marks.
EUIPO – Banksy’s Monkey’s Trademark Registered in “Bad Faith”
The “Case law bit: Banksy’s monkey” on EUIPO Academy Learning Portal discusses the improper trademark registration of Banksy’s “Monkey Sign” artwork. This case illustrates that the trademark was registered with the intent to misuse the system rather than for legitimate commercial purposes. The decision highlights that the registrant aimed to exploit the trade mark system…
International trademark registration rejected in respect of the EU
The Opposition division of EUIPO decided that international trademark registration No 1 494 887 shall be entirely refused protection in respect of the European Union. The relevant opposition was filed by IPConsulting Ltd. on behalf of Revuele Ltd., Sofia, Bulgaria. The opponent filed an opposition against all the goods of international trademark registration designating the…
Trademark registration rejected due to similarity with an earlier EU trade mark
The Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria confirmed the opposition against the registration of “Диклофлекс Dicloflex” trademark № 153146. The opposition was filed by the proprietor of an earlier EU trade mark № 011755717 ‘Diflex’, represented by IPConsulting. The opponent has filed the opposition against all the goods and services claimed. Evidence is provided…
BIOGEL and TrioGel trademarks clearly different
The Opposition division of the European union intellectual property office (EUIPO) decided to reject Opposition No B3097997 in its entirety due to the complete lack of likelihood of confusion. An Italian company filed an opposition against all the goods of European Union trade mark application No 18037625 Triogel (figurative mark). The applicant is Terazid EOOD…
Trademark registration rejected due to identity of the distinctive element
The Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria has issued a partial refusal of trademark registration for „Dandelion” TM, вх.entry No 155243/30.05.2019. The decision is in connection with an opposition filed by IPConsulting, which successfully defended the interests of the Australian winemaker Dandelion Vineyards Pty Ltd.
Partial cancellation of trademark registration due to similarity of signs and identity of services
IP Consulting, on behalf of its client Mina Group Ltd. filed a request for partial cancellation of trademark registration for TM with reg. № 97806 RESTAURANT IZBATA 1932, combined.