Names

6 articles available

The recent dispute involving British perfumer Jo Malone brings to light an interesting legal question: is it possible for someone to be prevented from using their own name in commercial activities?In…

In two earlier posts on the Kluwer Trademark Blog, we explored how Kazakhstani courts approach the protection of famous and well-known marks. In When Fame Prevails: The GORILLA Energy Case and the…

Under EU trademark law, a trademark may be revoked if it becomes a misleading indication as to the nature, quality or geographical origin of the goods or services it designates after the date on…

In a decision of a Dutch District Court earlier this year[1], the American fast-food chain Wendy’s suffered a loss against a local Dutch snack restaurant, which bears the name WENDY’S. The trademark…

LEGO, JENSEN and UTZON have in-common that they all are trademarks and last names at the same time. A  decade ago the reputed producer of construction toys for children LEGO tried to prohibit Louise…

Weapon of Choice: Protection of Names under Civil Law Before German courts, the best weapon against bothersome domain name registrations is not trademark law, but civil law. Sec. 12 of the German…