IP cases involving H J Heinz Co Limited & Plasmon Deitetici Alimentari SpA

Trademark laws protect not only words and slogans, but also various shapes, sounds, and smells. With millions of trademark applications filed each year, we are seeing an influx of exceptional cases of filings for unconventional trademarks by both new and established brands. Below is a list of some of the most original and unexpected products that people have trademarked.

Cases of multinational companies putting claims against much smaller businesses are far from uncommon, but their result is almost always the same - an absolute PR nightmare for the corporate giants. Oatly AB, a leading plant-based dairy alternatives producer, is amongst the companies that have fallen under public scrutiny after their overly aggressive trademark enforcement actions.

Satirical adaptations of well-known brands have become a common thing and profitable market for many lesser-known companies. Besides being an effective mean to attract more customers, parody products can also be a good defence against trademark lawsuits, as in many cases, brand owners have limited options to enforce their rights against satirical adaptations.