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Register a known name

Register a known name

Famous actors, musicians, or designers often achieve worldwide fame due to their artistic achievements, and their surname becomes their trademark. However, how does this popularity relate to the registration of a word trademark, which is precisely their well-known surname? Below are two examples that illustrate this issue in practice. Not everyone knows the American rapper Calvin Broadus, but everyone recognizes the pseudonym he uses – Snoop Dogg. This rapper decided to register a series of trademarks related to his persona with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), including the trademarks Snoop Dogg, Snoop Lion, and Snoop Juice. These trademarks covered various categories of goods and services, including compact discs, clothing, and entertainment services in the form of live musical performances.

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Snoop Dogg without Snoop in the UK?

The above fact would not have n of great importance if it were not for the fact that in 2016, in the United Kingdom, Snoop International Ltd. applied to register the trademark Snoop, which was intended, among other things, for jewelry and jewelry products, i.e., for classes that were in no way related to Snoop Dogg and his trademarks. Unfortunately, it turned out that the American rapper cares about his pseudonym, which was reflected in the fact that he filed an opposition to the registration of the aforementioned Snoop trademark. The basis for the opposition was the bad faith of the company and the similarity to the rapper’s family of trademarks. The English company denied the arguments contained in the opposition and requested that it be dismissed. As a result, the Intellectual Property Office of the United Kingdom upheld the opposition based on the argument of bad faith and refused to register the disputed trademark.

Janusz Palikot files an opposition to the Palycot trademark!

Similar cases can also be found in Poland, specifically concerning the politician Janusz Palikot. At one point, Pomorska Fabryka Wódek (Pomeranian Vodka Factory) applied to the Polish Patent Office for the trademark “Palycot,” intended for use on, among other things, vodkas, liqueurs, and spirits. Importantly, the applicant was not in any way affiliated with Janusz Palikot, who was known for, among other things, drinking “monkey shots” during various events and for being actively involved in the alcohol industry. Despite this, the politician opposed the registration of the aforementioned trademark, arguing that it evoked many associations with his person. As a result, the Polish Patent Office, in its decision dated January 14, 2013 (DT -IIIZ.357598/20/DW), refused to register the trademark due to its similarity to the industry in which the politician was active, which was intended to deliberately associate the applicant’s products with Janusz Palikot.

The above situations clearly indicate that a surname, provided it meets the criteria for trademarks, can be registered. However, the problem arises when independent companies try to register trademarks that are even slightly similar to a previously registered, well-known surname.

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A surname as a trademark in the fight for a good reputation and a strong personal brand.

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