OHIM’s Second Board of Appeal decided on 29 January 2014 that Parobook is to be registered because no liklihood of confusion to Facebook is given (Case R 254/2013-2). Introduction In order to assess whether marks are confusingly similar or not, various factors need to be taken into account. On the one hand side, the specific goods and services of the applied for mark and the earlier sign need to be evaluated. On the other hand, OHIM has to compare the script, sound and meaning of the two trademarks and also take the distinctiveness and reputation of the earlier sign into account. Background of the Case and Subject Matter Read more about Facebook vs. Parobook

The Brand Finance Banking 500 was published in the February 2014 edition of ‘The Banker’ magazine. The largest banks of the world are ranked by the value of their trademarks. The annual study reflects the industry trends and indicates future developments. Introduction Read more about Bank Names and their Brand Value - 2014 Ranking just realeased

On 16 January 2014 the European General Court (EGC) decided that a button in the middle of the ear of a toy teddy bear (a so-called “position mark”) cannot be registered as a Community Trademark as it lacks distinctiveness (Decision T‑434/12 of 16.01.14). Introduction In order to assess  whether a mark possesses the necessary  distinctiveness or not, various factors need to be taken into account. On the one hand side, the court has to review the specific goods and services of the applied for trademark,  and, on the other hand, it has to determine if intended brand is capable to enable the average consumer to recognize the source of origin. Read more about Position mark - "button in the ear" of a teddy bear - not registrable as a Community Trademark

TMclass helps applicants to search for and classify goods and services (terms) needed to apply for trademark protection. Read more about German Patent and Trademark Office (GPTO) - now member of the harmonized database for the classification of goods and services