PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
TRADE MARKS
Brand names and logos may be some of the most valuable assets that a company owns. Consumers recognise these as signs of high-quality or excellent reputation and therefore protection against others using the same or a similar trade mark is crucial. At Schlich, we assist our clients in obtaining trade mark protection for their names and logos and using their registered trade marks to safeguard their goodwill which has resulted from considerable investments. From pre-filing searches to maintenance and enforcement, we are here for all your trade mark needs.
In an ever-increasingly international world, global trade mark protection is becoming more and more important. At Schlich, our attorneys have experience in obtaining and enforcing trade mark registrations not only in the UK, but also Internationally including Europe, the US and China. In particular, our attorneys are highly competent at proceedings before the UK Intellectual Property Office and also work closely with trade mark attorneys in other jurisdictions to resolve international trade mark disputes.
Recent Insights
Read the latest insights from the Schlich team reporting recent cases and updates to trade mark law.
Copyright Infringement in the Digital Age: Guidance from the CJEU on How to Find Your Way Through
The international nature of the internet can make it challenging to avoid infringing copyright in certain countries when publishing something online. However, a recent decision of the CJEU suggests effective geo-blocking measures might help website operators avoid getting caught out.
What Makes a 3D trade mark functional? The General Court Has an Answer
The EU General Court in T‑104/25 has annulled a Board of Appeal’s decision upholding the validity of a registered 3D trade mark for the shape of a carton container. The Court found that the Board failed to properly consider the technical results arising from the use of the 3D mark, emphasizing that the functionality assessment must focus on functional results arising when the product reaches the user. The decision serves as a useful reminder that when assessing technical results of a 3D shape mark it is necessary to consider whether the shape performs a technical function when the product is in use.
When Fame Backfires: Titles of George Orwell’s Best-Selling Novels Ruled to Lack Distinctiveness as a Result of their Fame
The recent decision of the Grand Board on the registrability of the titles of George Orwell’s most famous novels, “ANIMAL FARM” and “1984”, provides a long-awaited answer to the previously unresolved question of whether the titles of well-known books, films and other creative works can be protected as trade marks in Europe (and, to cut a long story short, the answer is no!).
Watch Out for Bad Faith – Breitling for Women
The recent dispute between Iron & Smith Kft. and Breitling SA at the EUIPO Court of Appeal serves as a further example of how bad faith can be relied upon a ground for invalidity.
By Touatis! “Obelix®” Has A Reputation
Asterix® and his best friend Obelix® are, of course, indomitable. Furthermore, Obelix’s name has a reputation across the European Union (EU) as confirmed by the EU General Court in case T‑24/25.
What is milk? – according to the UK Supreme Court
The UK Supreme Court confirms that the term “milk” cannot be used for plant-based products.
Which is More Important: Human Rights or Trade Marks? The CJEU Prepares to Decide!
The interplay between human rights and intellectual property, and the question of whether the exclusive rights conferred by registering IP can be used to restrict a third party’s right to freedom of expression, have been raised in several cases. In a recent opinion, the CJEU’s Advocate General has suggested there is a balance to be struck, rather than one right being more important than the other.
Highstreet Wars: From Portobello Road Market to the High Court
Two Portobello Road Market traders battle it out in the High Court for the rights to the brand, “The Notting Hill Shopping Bag.” The decision of the court serves as a cautionary tale of the importance of protecting intellectual property rights when dissolving or transferring a company.
Get in touch
Our team of UK and European Patent Attorneys and Chartered Trade Mark Attorneys are highly knowledgeable and experienced in assisting clients with all aspects of their IP needs.
Contact us now to find out more about how we could help you and your business.
