What does trademark distinctiveness mean and why is it important?
[Part 6 of our Brand Rights blog series] When a company decides on a new brand name to be introduced, it is always worth considering whether the trademark in question is distinctive or descriptive. "Only distinctive trademarks can be registered, meaning only they can be granted exclusive rights," says Jani Kaulo.
Read moreProtecting your trademark through registration – where and how?
[Part 5 of our Brand Rights blog series] Jani Kaulo summarizes the fundamental rules for acquiring a brand right through trademark registration. "A trademark should be registered in countries where the company markets and sells its products or services or manufactures products." Read more about the key basic rules for companies considering trademark registrations.
Read moreTrademark is the core of brand rights
[Part 4 of our Brand Rights blog series] Trademark is the most important and essential brand right for the majority of companies. Jani Kaulo emphasizes the key requirements for a trademark: "A trademark must be distinctive; it should not directly describe the product or its features, and it should not be confused with previous trademarks or company names."
Read moreChinese character trademarks enjoy lowered distinctivenes in the European Union
The decision of the General Court of the European Union on the low distinctiveness of Chinese character trademarks weakens the position of Chinese trademarks in the European Union, writes Jani Kaulo in an expert article published by the European Communities Trademark Association ECTA and provides background information on the decision.
Read moreGuess who’s back? Big Mac.
What can brand owners learn from the BIG MAC case? Our legal trainee Julia Koikkalainen compiled a blog about the use evidence challenges of the iconic trademark in the European market.
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