Germany

Bundesgerichtshof, I. Zivilsenat (German Federal Court of Justice, First Civil Senate, responsible for trademark and unfair competition law)

Uncategorized

BGH “Moneypenny” — Bundesgerichtshof Holds That James Bond’s Moneypenny Has No Independent Work-Title Protection Under German Trademark Law

/ December 4, 2025

Germany’s Federal Court of Justice held that the name of the James Bond character “Miss Moneypenny” does not enjoy independent work-title protection under § 5(1) and (3) German Trademark Act, because the fictional figure lacks the visual individuality and standalone fame required t

Germany Intellectual Property

Bundesgerichtshof, I. Zivilsenat (BGH affirmance) — affirming Bundespatentgericht (BPatG), 29. Senat

Uncategorized

BGH “Testarossa” — Federal Court of Justice Affirms BPatG Ruling That Ferrari’s Bad-Faith Challenge to “Testa Rossa” Trademark Fails Without Proof of Damaging or Obstructing Intent

/ September 11, 2025

Germany’s Federal Court of Justice dismissed Ferrari’s appeal challenging the “Testa Rossa” trademark, leaving in place the BPatG’s January 2025 ruling that bad-faith trademark applications under § 8(2) No. 10 MarkenG require objective evidence of damaging or obstructin