As a law firm in Cologne and Berlin, we are specialized in copyright and media law, especially we frequently deal with the field of trademark law.

Trademark law protects
– the brand
– business designations and
– geographical indications.

Pursuant to Section 5 of the German Trademark Act (MarkenG), business designations include company trademarks and work titles. These arise from the mere act of putting the product into use, and far more frequently without the respective owner even being aware of it.

Anyone who uses a protected trademark or other mark without authorization violates trademark law. One can protect oneself against this with warnings and finally enforce injunctive relief as a prohibition in court.

A trademark serves to identify the goods or services of a company. Trademark protection is established by registration in the register of the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA), the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) or the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

With the registration of the trademark, the owner has the exclusive right to use the trademark for the protected goods and/or services.

There are a number of pitfalls to consider during the trademark search process leading up to a trademark application. Thus, not only identical license plates collide with each other, but also similar license plates. This is often a legal assessment and requires some experience to weigh any risks.

Contact us if you have any questions regarding trademark applications, existing cease-and-desist letters, possible infringements, or any other questions related to trademark, work title, or company trademark law. We will be happy to arrange an appointment with you.

Click here for more information on trademark law in our tutorial What is actually trademark protection?