The case of Mercedes-Benz Group AG v. Naviga Wind Power sp. z o.o. (EUIPO Opposition No. B 3 209 290) illustrates the complex interplay of trade mark protection principles within the European Union and highlights the European Union Intellectual Property Office’s (EUIPO) approach to oppositions...
Protecting a brand begins with the formal registration of a trademark, a strategic and legal measure that establishes a business’s commercial identity and grants exclusive rights over its distinctive signs. In Romania, this process is administered by the State Office for Inventions and Trademarks (OSIM),...
The opposition proceedings in ZAÏA (fig.) v. ZARA (Opposition No. B 3 203 206, EUIPO, Decision of 3 February 2025) present a nuanced application of Articles 8(1)(b) and 8(5) of the European Union Trade Mark Regulation (EUTMR). The case concerns the opposition lodged by Industria...
The judgment in CMS Italy (fig.) v. PUMA SE constitutes a significant development in the interpretation of Article 8(5) of Regulation (EC) No 207/2009, concerning the protection of reputed trade marks within the European Union. The General Court’s reasoning clarifies not only the substantive contours...
Trademark protection constitutes a fundamental pillar of industrial property law, reflecting not only the economic interests of the rights holders but also the necessity of maintaining a fair and transparent competitive environment. In legal terms, a trademark is not merely a distinctive sign; it is...
In the contemporary European context, the protection of agricultural and food products through geographical indications (GIs) and quality schemes represents far more than a mere marketing strategy or promotional tool. These instruments constitute forms of collective intellectual property rights, recognized under European Union law, which...
In contemporary commercial law and business strategy, the terms “name,” “trademark,” and “brand” are often deployed interchangeably. Yet, each occupies a distinct conceptual and legal domain. The conflation of these terms can have significant ramifications, ranging from lost legal rights to weakened market positioning. Understanding...
In an economic environment dominated by visual innovation, aesthetic differentiation, and accelerated production cycles, the design of a product has become more than a mere matter of form—it constitutes an essential element of a business’s commercial identity. In today’s image-driven economy, the success of a...
As of 20 October 2025, SMEs based in the European Union and Ukraine will be able to submit applications for Voucher 2, designed to support the protection of trade marks and industrial designs or models, under the newly reopened phase of the SME Fund. The...
For businesses operating in Romania, understanding the costs associated with trademark registration is essential for effective planning. These costs vary depending on whether the mark is registered nationally through the State Office for Inventions and Trademarks (OSIM) or at the European level via the European...
