Overview

More than a decade since the Trade Marks Directive came into force, approximating the law on trade marks across Europe, the number of references to the European Court of Justice from national courts, as well as the variation in the interpretation of key concepts across the continent, demonstrates that the true picture is as diverse as the countries and people that make up the union.

The best trade marks strategy in Europe combines European coverage and local knowledge. The CMS Brands Review combines report and analysis on some of the key cases before the ECJ in the last few years with commentary on the ways in which the law has been interpreted and implemented across Europe.

CONTENTS
• Bad faith bunnies: Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprügli AG v Franz Hauswirth GmbH, Knock-off Nokias: Nokia Corporation v Revenue & Customs
• Handbags and online-ads: Google France and others v Louis Vuitton Malletier
• Audi’s Vorsprung durch Technik slogan passes the distinctiveness test: Audi AG v OHIM, ECJ
• When is vodka not vodka? When it’s Vodkat! Diageo v Intercontinental Brands
• Brands, discounts and downturns: Copad SA v Christian Dior couture SA and others
• Distinctiveness of English terms as CTMs: C-553 / 08 Powerserv v OHIM & Manpower Inc.
• Smells like fighting spirit: L’Oréal SA, Lancôme parfums et beauté & Cie SNC; Laboratoire Garnier & Cie v Bellure NV, Malaika Investments Ltd
• Sponsored fake sale