Category: Designs
The Glencairn glass: a case of protecting the shape and the trademark
The iconic Glencairn glass, the definitive whisky glass, will lose protection as a registered trademark this year. The EUIPO’s recent refusal to recognize its shape as a trademark underscores the difficulties involved in maintaining the legal exclusivity of products with timeless designs. The case reflects the limitations that currently exist in the protection of shapes […]
The Attack of the “Stuffed Cookie Monster” Brands
The Provincial Court of Alicante has ruled in favor of a Spanish company in a trademark infringement and unfair competition case brought against another Spanish one, in connection with the marketing of some biscuits. The court concluded that the appearance and presentation of this product infringed a well-known trademark. This case underscores once again how […]
What happened to the metaverse and NFTs in the fashion industry?
The fashion industry was one of the first industries to enthusiastically explore the opportunities afforded by the metaverse and NFTs (non-fungible tokens). However, the technological limitations, the lack of interest among the adult audience and the economic downturn have led the initial euphoria to peter out. Nonetheless, brands have evolved and now adopt a more […]
Are commercial uses of works of art in the public domain legal?: a look at the Italian case
Original works of art are protected by copyright until they come into the public domain. But this does not mean they can then be used without any restrictions. Here we look at a few Italian court rulings on this subject. Art is present in every facet of our lives. It is no longer confined to […]
The Supreme Court confirms that a third party may not use the ZARA trademark.
The Supreme Court has confirmed that the use of another’s trademark to identify the prize in an advertising campaign constitutes an act of trademark infringement and ordered the infringer to pay compensation for damages. A recent judgment from the Supreme Court has condemned Buongiorno for reproducing the ZARA trademark on a gift card offered as […]
The protection of fashion and applied art under criminal law: the Supreme Court rules on the Desigual case
The Supreme Court has delivered a judgment that bolsters copyright protection for works of applied art under criminal law: It sets an important precedent in Spain in distinguishing design as an art that deserves protection under both criminal as well as civil law. The world of fashion design, in which aesthetics are woven into practicality, […]