Month: July 2016

M&M's outlawed in Sweden

Mars May be too Late to Secure M&M’s Branding Rights in Sweden

M&M’s may be loved the world over, but if Swedish people want them, they may need a new name. This news comes after the Swedish Court of Appeals ruled that the M&M’s mark causes confusion among Swedish consumers due to a traditional Swedish chocolate candy that also comes marked with the letter “M”. Mars, the manufacturer of M&M’s, will now need to change the name of the candies in Sweden, appeal the decision, or face penalties laid out by the Court of Appeals if it continues selling there.

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Converse Trademark Lawsuit

Converse Wins Trademark Victory at ITC – Sort of

Converse’s Chuck Taylor shoes are one of the oldest and most recognizable athletic shoes around. Designed specifically for basketball players, the shoes were introduced in 1917. Converse says that it has sold more than a billion pairs of the shoes worldwide since then. However, even though the shoes have a long history and a distinctive look, they don’t have exclusivity on every design element incorporated into the shoe. That’s the ruling from the US International Trade Commission after Converse filed a trademark complaint with the ITC in 2014.

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