KPW
Magazine.
KPW
Magazine.
All about trademarks
Digital and AI
Advertising and competition
Creativity and design
Archive
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New EUIPO Guidelines
EUIPO will update its guidelines as of July 1, 2026, including changes regarding geographical indications—here is an overview of the most important changes.
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Zoom vs. Zoom
EUIPO rejects the application for invalidation of the ZOOM trademark. According to the Board of Appeal, a repeated trademark application alone does not constitute bad faith.
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Negative Entry with Consequences
Federal Court of Justice (BGH) on a negative report to SCHUFA: A disputed claim that has not been plausibly substantiated may not be reported.
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Labeling AI-Generated Content
EU Labeling of AI Content: What companies must label, when, and how starting in August 2026, and which new EU icons are available for this purpose.
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IP Stars Ranking for Clemens Pfitzer
IP STARS 2026 lists Clemens Pfitzer of KPW as a “Trademark Star.” This is an independent recognition of leading expertise in trademark law in Germany.
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Photovoltaics without craftsmen’s register
Anyone who advertises the design, installation, and maintenance of solar systems is engaged in a trade that requires a license. Operating without being registered in the trade registry is anti-competitive.
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Note on Deleted Reviews
Is a review site allowed to publicly display how many reviews of a business have been deleted due to complaints?
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Wordle without title of work protection
The creator of Wordle used his game for personal, not business, purposes. As a result, no copyright protection arose that the New York Times could later acquire.
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Handelsblatt and Best Lawyers honor KPW
Clemens Pfitzer and Dr. Markus Wekwerth are also among Germany’s best lawyers in 2026 according to Best Lawyers and Handelsblatt.
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Use as a trademark by AI
The Berlin Regional Court II has dismissed a perfume manufacturer’s motion for a preliminary injunction against AI search results featuring fragrance dupes, on the grounds that the AI did not constitute use of a trademark.
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Google is liable for AI results
Munich Regional Court I: Google is liable for inaccurate AI summaries—as a direct infringer, not merely upon receiving a notice. What this means for affected companies.
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Obligation for Uber to return
Uber drivers must return to their place of business after every journey – this has been confirmed by the Federal Court of Justice. What this means for car rental companies and passenger services.
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Instagram is liable for posts from abroad
A photo on an Arabic Instagram account can infringe German copyright law and make Instagram directly liable.
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Candle eater partially protectable
Is the trademark “KERZENFRESSER” protectable or a mere product description? The Federal Patent Court says: yes – and no.
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LABUBU loses to BUBU
The EUIPO upheld an opposition against the trademark LABUBU on the basis of the trademark BUBU, despite conceptually and visually completely different signs.
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Data Act implementation in Germany
The DADG transposes the EU Data Act into German law: the Federal Network Agency becomes the competent supervisory authority and fines are imposed for violations.
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EU finally takes action against Temu
EU Commission fines Temu 200 million euros for violating the Digital Services Act (DSA).
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Liability for incorrect AI results
AI-generated false reports in the company portal: Anyone who uses AI results to disseminate company data is liable for errors.