They're crazy, the ...

A few years ago, a Polish armaments company had a great idea: its products were to be marketed under the name "Obelix" from then on, as this name stands for strength throughout Europe, and in general; the name was quickly registered as a trademark for the corresponding classes of goods. The comic publisher in France probably thought "By Teutates!" and immediately filed an opposition, which was rejected by the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) on the grounds that further trademark protection for Obelix did not apply because the trademark was not sufficiently well-known and gun buyers would not associate its characteristics with the comics.

Well, you have to look at it differently, even if you are not a fan of the indomitable Gauls: it is true that the product ranges are not similar - there is no possibility of confusion. But one thing is clear: this is an attempt to exploit a well-known brand "unfairly". Because the very qualities associated with the likeable menhir supplier - strength, courage and a certain penetrating power - are now being attributed to the armaments company itself. And another thing: Obelix is funny, good-natured and basically totally peaceful, as long as there is wild boar at the end. Any association with real weapons can only damage the Obelix brand. Fortunately, the next instance, the EU Court of Justice, also saw it that way and overturned the EUIPO's decision. That's good news at last!

Here is the link:

https://www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de/obelix-darf-keine-marke-fuer-waffen-sein-100.html