With firms representing more than 90 countries, each GALA member has the local expertise and experience in advertising, marketing and promotion law that will help your campaign achieve its objectives, and navigate the legal minefield successfully. GALA is a uniquely sensitive global resource whose members maintain frequent contact with each other to maximize the effectiveness of their collaborative efforts for their shared clients. GALA provides the premier worldwide resource to advertisers and agencies seeking solutions to problems involving the complex legal issues affecting today's marketplace.
In a recent decision the Austrian Court of Appeal in Vienna
rejected an application to have the term "Black Friday"
registered as trademark. In its grounds the court pointed out that
the term "Black Friday" is generally known as the day
after Thanksgiving Day which signals the beginning of the Christmas
shopping season. Thus "Black Friday" as being descriptive
and lacking of distinctive character cannot be protected as
trademark in Austria. This means that the use of this sign is still
open to all in Austria. However, a cross-border use of "Black
Friday" – online or offline - could violate trademark
rights obtained in countries outside Austria.
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guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.