Can a domain name infringe your trademark? About ICANN, domain disputes, and your rights.
Have you ever thought that a domain name could infringe on your intellectual property rights, just like a logo or trade name can? Imagine investing time and resources to build a recognizable brand, only to discover that someone has registered a domain name that includes your brand. For example, your trademark “Green Zebra®” could be […]
EU design reform: Key updates
The framework for the protection of industrial designs in the European Union is undergoing a significant transformation with the new European Union Designs Regulation (EUDR) and the associated legislative reforms. These changes, which will be implemented in stages starting from May 1, 2025, aim to modernize the system, adapt it to technological advances and improve […]
Trademark Translation for Global Expansion.
Most of the trademarks that our intellectual property agency works with on a daily basis are registered with OSIM for protection in Romania and with the EUIPO, which provides coverage in all 27 member states of the European Union. Trademarks can be in any language, but the most common are in English, Romanian or are […]
Zicaffe v. Zacaffe: : Trademark conflict between ZARA and a Sicilian café
The trademark landscape is often marked by disputes as established brands expand into new industries. One such case, which attracts attention, involves Inditex, Zara’s parent company, and the Sicilian coffee roaster Zicaffe. The conflict arose after Zara filed an application for registration of the ZACAFFE trademark with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), prompting […]
Practical aspects regarding the assignment of the trademark registered at EUIPO. Total vs. partial assignment.
Assignment of a trademark is the process by which the owner of a trademark transfers ownership rights over it to another party. The transfer of rights may be made for consideration (against a price), free of charge, or by donation or will. This process may involve the assignment of the trade mark in its entirety […]
Trademark renewal as a key element of success
According to Law no. 84/1998 on trademarks and geographical indications, republished, the registration of a trademark takes effect from the date of the regulatory filing of the trademark and has a validity of 10 years. After the expiry of this period, renewal of the trademark becomes an essential step in the management and protection of […]
Can a person’s face become a trademark?
Over time, people have registered as a trademark all sorts of signs: from the simplest to the most unimaginable words, shapes, drawings, even sounds. To date, more than two million trade marks have been registered with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), so anyone who wants to register a new trade mark that is […]
How to choose a strong brand/trademark?
The success of your business can be an indication that your brand is commercially strong, as the nature of a brand, especially its relative strength or weakness, will have a direct influence on its market performance and scope of legal protection. A ‘strong’ trade mark is a trade mark which has a highly distinctive character, […]
Elvis Presley versus BrewDog: How far would you go to protect your brand?
As consumers, we meet a multitude of well-known brands in the food and beverage sector on a daily basis. Whether it’s choosing cereal or morning coffee, or choosing specific ingredients and garnishes for the evening meal. It therefore goes without saying that intellectual property protection for your food and drink business is vital, as it […]
Moka coffee maker: How a registered design revolutionized coffee ritual.
Today, in September 5th, the world of design and innovation gathers in a remarkable event in the vibrant city of Berlin. The fourth edition of the DesignEuropa Awards (DEA), organised by EUIPO, takes place here. This prestigious event celebrates excellence in design for holders of registered Community Designs (RCDs) across the European Union. DesignEuropa’s jury […]
