Category: Trademarks
Cut! There’s a trademark there II: How to avoid surreptitious advertising or illicit product placement
In order for a product to feature lawfully in audiovisual media, the placement must not affect the editorial freedom of the service provider, must not directly encourage the purchase and must be correctly identified. Several years ago, we wrote about the major headaches faced by creative teams in the film industry when using third-party trademarks […]
Peru sets a limit of five years on rights in a well-known trademark
For the first time, Peru has established a time restraint on the continuing recognition of a well-known trademark. The Indecopi has determined that the term within which a titleholder may invoke the rights inherent in that reputation is five years from the date of its recognition by the competent authority. When this period has elapsed, […]
The memory of Pablo Escobar casts a shadow over Europe: EU trademarks as a reflection of moral principles.
A recent judgment of the General Court of the European Union sheds light on the interpretation and application of the concepts of public policy and morality resulting from a trademark application for “Pablo Escobar” In the annals of criminal history few names are as conspicuous and compelling as that of Pablo Escobar, the infamous Colombian […]
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, […]
Zara vs. Boungiorno and the possibility (or not) of using third-party trademarks
A judgment from the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) clarifies the scope of third-party use of trademarks, taking into account the changes introduced in the European Directive on trademarks. On January 11, 2024, the CJEU ruled on the preliminary question (Case C-361/22) raised by the Spanish Supreme Court in the proceedings between […]