European Union: Trademark

In the food industry, it’s not uncommon for product packaging design to be similar between brand owners. At what point does the similarity of packaging lead to trademark infringement, and what can trademark holders do to prevent copycat packaging and market confusion? Mariëlle Hoffer provides some guidance.

Novagraaf positions itself as a comprehensive partner for intellectual property strategy, protection, and defense. The firm offers expert guidance through monthly newsletters, webinars, and exclusive content to help clients navigate the complexities of IP management and enforcement.

Novagraaf presents a comprehensive webinar exploring the intersection of sports and counterfeiting, examining how intellectual property rights are challenged in the athletic industry. The session will address key legal strategies and enforcement mechanisms to combat counterfeit sports merchandise and protect brand integrity in this lucrative sector.

In today's hyper-competitive global retail landscape, brand protection has evolved far beyond a legal formality — it is now a core pillar of corporate strategy. Organizations worldwide are turning to AI brand monitoring solutions and advanced trademark monitoring systems to safeguard their intellectual property at scale, speed, and precision that traditional methods simply cannot match.

Trademark renewals are often treated as a routine administrative task—something that simply needs to be completed before a deadline. However, every renewal represents a strategic decision point: which trademarks should remain in your portfolio, which no longer support your business objectives, and where your IP budget should be invested.

Malta's dual trademark protection system offers businesses strategic flexibility through national registration or the European Union Trademark route. The EUTM framework, governed by Regulation (EU) 2017/1001, provides cost-effective protection across 27 EU countries through a single application, while Malta's position as an English-speaking jurisdiction enhances its role in IP portfolio management and cross-border structuring.

Novagraaf serves as a comprehensive partner for intellectual property strategy, protection, and defense. The firm offers expert guidance through monthly newsletters, webinars, and exclusive content to help clients navigate the complex landscape of IP rights and enforcement.

The European Court of Justice has delivered a landmark ruling clarifying what constitutes "individual character" in EU design protection, addressing whether creativity and originality are necessary requirements. This decision resolves longstanding uncertainty about how design rights differ from copyright protection and whether selecting from predefined components can still qualify for intellectual property protection.

The debate over plant-based meat naming and labeling continues to evolve as the alternative protein industry faces regulatory scrutiny and marketing challenges. Understanding the legal landscape surrounding product nomenclature is crucial for manufacturers navigating consumer protection laws and trademark considerations.