Source link : https://europ.info/2026/01/19/general-court-confirms-cancellation-of-iceland-trade-marks-euipo/
The General Court has upheld the cancellation of the ‘Iceland’ trade marks registered with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), delivering a decisive ruling that could have significant implications for brand protection and trademark law across the EU. The judgment clarifies key aspects of trademark registration criteria and reinforces the stringent standards applied by EUIPO, signaling to businesses the growing challenges in securing and maintaining intellectual property rights within the union.
General Court Upholds EUIPO Decision on Iceland Trade Marks Cancellation
The General Court has upheld a recent decision by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) to cancel the “Iceland” trade marks, reinforcing the principle that geographical names cannot be monopolized in a manner that limits the free movement of goods. The ruling emphasizes that the term “Iceland,” widely recognized as a geographic indicator, should remain available for use within the EU market to prevent unfair restrictions on other traders and businesses. The Court found that the trade marks in question failed to meet the distinctiveness criteria necessary for registration, as they were primarily descriptive and lacked the required individual character.
Key aspects highlighted in the decision include:
- Protection of geographical names: Ensuring names related to locations remain generic and accessible.
- Prevention of monopoly: Avoiding exclusive rights that could…
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Author : Victoria Jones
Publish date : 2026-01-19 07:09:00
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