Millions of spectators from various countries participate in the tournaments organized around the world every year. In this context, marketing, advertising, and branding sports events have gained great importance. Sport teams and sports personalities are looked at as big business opportunities. Intellectual property is also becoming increasingly important in this growing industry.

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  Read more about Wake-up call for McDonald’s – new EUIPO decision saves EU Trademark “BIG MAC”

When you go out to eat and you choose a drink with your meal, would go for mineral water, wine or beer? The answer, of course, depends on your individual preferences and habits. However, when it comes to trademarks, the question might become of interest when the degree of similarity between mineral water, wine and beer has to be assessed and decided in infringement, opposition or invalidity proceedings. The decisions of the different trademark offices and courts are not always consistent and often unpredictable. At least regarding the degree of similarity between “beers” and other beverages, you may now find some guidance by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

Read more about CHEERS! About Similarity between Beers and other Beverages

Following a request for a preliminary ruling by the German Federal Court of Justice (BGH) on January 30, 2020 the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled on when unregistered designs of individual parts enter into force in the event of disclosure of the overall product.Following a request for a preliminary ruling by the German Federal Court of Justice (BGH) on January 30, 2020 the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled on when unregistered designs of individual parts enter into force in the event of disclosure of the overall product. Read more about Ferrari succeeds on the basis of unregistered designs