The European General Court (ECG) decided on 7 October 2014 that a likelihood of confusion between the word/device trademark “T” of Tifosi Optics and the earlier trademark “T” of Tom Tailor exists (Case No.:T‑531/12). Background of the Case and Subject Matter In September 2009 the American enterprise - Tifosi Optics, Inc. - filed an application for registration of the Community Trademark No. 008543183 at the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM) (as seen below on the right hand side). In February 2010 the German company - Tom Tailor GmbH - filed a notice of opposition because of the similarity to their word/ device Community Trademark No. 001368232 which you can see left below. Both trademarks are - among others - registered for clothing and glasses. Read more about ECG: Decision on similarity of single letter marks “T”

Interbrand, started in 1974 with its approximately 40 offices in 27 countries, is one of the biggest and oldest brand consultancy companies around the world. Every year, Interbrand conducts and publishes various studies relating to brands, their value and the impact on companies and consumers. Interbrand’s 15th annual Best Global Brands Report was released on 9 October 2014. Age of You In addition to identifying the top 100 most valuable brands, this year’s Best Global Brands report also examines three pivotal ages in brand history that have reshaped business for the better: the Age of Identity, the Age of Value, and the Age of Experience. Interbrand contends that a new, emerging era is upon the global business world: the Age of You. Analysis Read more about Interbrand: The Best 100 Global Brands 2014

The German Federal Supreme Court decided that only Langenscheidt is allowed to use the color yellow for language training products in Germany (Judgment dated 18 September 2014; I ZR 228/12). Background of the Case and Subject Matter The German publisher Langenscheidt has been selling dictionaries since 1956 and other language learning products since 1986. All the products are designed in yellow color with a blue “L” on the books (see left below). Langenscheidt also uses the color yellow extensively when advertising its product. Read more about Color mark „yellow“: Langenscheidt wins in trademark dispute

The Higher Regional Court Celle, Germany, decided that it is misleading to add six stars next to the door of a luxus hotel (13 U 76/14 dated 15 July 2014). Background of the Case and Subject Matter A hotel owner added six (6) stars next to the entrance of his luxury hotel without having an evaluation by an external official hotel evaluator. Therefore, a competitor filed a law suit because, this advertisement is misleading. But, the hotel owner is of the opinion that his advertisement is not misleading because in fact his hotel is very luxurious. Decision Read more about Hotel is not allowed to keep six stars