German Trademark LawGerman trademark law (Markenrecht) is primarily governed by the German Trademark Act (MarkenG - Markengesetz) and is influenced by EU law and international treaties.
1. Legal Framework of German Trademark Lawa) National Legislation- German Trademark Act (Markengesetz, MarkenG): Governs trademark registration, protection, enforcement, and infringement in Germany.
- Civil Code (BGB) & Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO): Relevant for claims and litigation procedures.
- Unfair Competition Act (UWG - Gesetz gegen den unlauteren Wettbewerb): Protects against unfair practices, including misleading brand names.
b) European and International Treaties- European Union Trade Mark Regulation (EUTMR - (EU) 2017/1001): Allows registration of EU-wide trademarks.
- Directive (EU) 2015/2436: Harmonizes national trademark laws across EU states.
- Madrid Protocol (WIPO): Enables international trademark registrations.
- Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property: Provides priority rights and protection against unfair competition.
2. Trademark Registration in Germanya) Requirements for Trademark ProtectionA trademark must be: - Distinctive – Not purely descriptive (e.g., “Fresh Bread” for bakery).
- Non-generic – Cannot be a common industry term.
- Non-deceptive – Must not mislead consumers.
- Not contrary to public order – No offensive symbols or terms.
- Not identical/similar to earlier rights – To avoid confusion.
b) Registration Process at DPMA (Deutsches Patent- und Markenamt)Trademark Search(optional but recommended) - Conducted in DPMA, EUIPO, and WIPO databases.
- Prevents conflicts with existing trademarks.
Filing the Application - Online via DPMAregister or via postal form.
- Fees: €290 (electronic filing), €300 (paper), plus €100 for each additional class beyond three.
Examination - DPMA examines absolute grounds for refusal (e.g., distinctiveness).
- No check for relative grounds (third parties must oppose if their rights are infringed).
Publication & Opposition Period - After acceptance, the trademark is published in the Markenblatt (Trademark Gazette).
- Opposition period: Three months.
Registration & Duration - If no opposition succeeds, the trademark is registered.
- Valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
3. Trademark Case Law and Legal PrecedentsSeveral landmark German and EU court cases have shaped trademark law: a) "POST" Case (BGH, I ZB 97/09)- Issue: Deutsche Post attempted to claim exclusive rights to "POST".
- Ruling: The Federal Court of Justice (BGH) ruled "POST" to be too generic and not distinctive.
- Significance: Descriptive terms cannot be monopolized.
b) "Sparkassen-Rot" Case (BGH I ZR 228/12)- Issue: German Savings Banks (Sparkassen) claimed trademark rights over the color red in banking services.
- Ruling: The Federal Court (BGH) ruled that long-term use had created secondary meaning, granting protection.
- Significance: Color marks can be protected if distinctive enough.
c) "Lindt Gold Bunny" Case (BGH I ZR 139/20)- Issue: Lindt & Sprüngli claimed trademark rights over the golden foil of their chocolate bunny.
- Ruling: BGH ruled that the golden wrapping had acquired secondary meaning, granting protection.
- Significance: Packaging elements can become trademarks through market recognition.
4. Trademark Infringement in Germanya) Types of Trademark Infringement- Direct Infringement: Unauthorized use of an identical/similar mark for identical/similar goods.
- Indirect Infringement: Aiding third parties in infringing use (e.g., selling counterfeit goods).
- Dilution & Reputation Damage: Use that weakens a well-known brand (e.g., using "Coca-Cola" for non-related goods).
b) Consequences of Infringement- Cease and Desist Orders
- Financial Compensation & Damages
- Seizure & Destruction of Counterfeit Goods
- Legal Costs & Attorney Fees
- Criminal Prosecution (in severe counterfeiting cases)
c) Legal Remedies & ProceduresCease and Desist Letter (Abmahnung) - Sent by trademark owners before legal action.
- Includes a penalized cease-and-desist declaration (Unterlassungserklärung).
Opposition Proceedings (DPMA/EUIPO) - Filed within 3 months of registration.
- If successful, the infringing trademark is removed.
Injunction & Damages Claim (Civil Lawsuit – LG or OLG Courts) - Filed at Regional Courts (Landgerichte - LG) or Higher Regional Courts (OLG).
- Plaintiff may seek damages and an injunction.
Customs Seizure (Zollbeschlagnahme) - Trademark owners can request customs authorities to seize counterfeit goods entering Germany.
Criminal Prosecution - Under §143 MarkenG, large-scale infringement can lead to fines or imprisonment.
5. Role of German Trademark Agents (Markenanwälte & IP Experts)a) Pre-Filing Strategy & Risk Assessment- Trademark searches to avoid conflicts.
- Advising on distinctiveness and registrability.
b) Trademark Registration- Filing applications with DPMA, EUIPO, WIPO.
- Handling office actions & refusals.
c) Trademark Opposition & Cancellation- Defending clients’ marks against oppositions.
- Filing cancellation actions for non-use or bad faith registrations.
d) Trademark Enforcement & Litigation- Sending cease-and-desist letters.
- Negotiating settlements.
- Representing clients in court proceedings.
e) Trademark Portfolio Management- Monitoring trademarks for infringement risks.
- Handling renewals & assignments.
6. ConclusionGermany provides a robust trademark protection system, with clear legal precedents, enforcement mechanisms, and litigation options. Trademark agents play a crucial role in advising, registering, and enforcing rights, ensuring brands are legally protected in an increasingly competitive market. |