KPW

Magazine.

All about trademarks

Digital and AI

Advertising and competition

Creativity and design

Archive

Digital Borders for Copyright

ECJ: Effective geoblocking prevents copyright infringement in other EU countries; bypassing it via VPN has no consequences.
No whiskey without a wooden barrel

According to the Hamburg Regional Court, the labeling of whiskey aged with wood chips violates EU spirits law and is anti-competitive.
Copying Photos with Generative AI

The Frankfurt am Main Regional Court dismisses a lawsuit over AI-edited product photos. The plaintiff failed to prove that a competitor had used its image.
Same ASIN, different product

Cologne Higher Regional Court: Anyone who continues to use customer reviews under the same Amazon ASIN after a product change is engaging in misleading and anti-competitive conduct.
Puma vs. Tiger Woods

Puma Halts Tiger Woods’ “Sunday Red” in the EU: The EUIPO views the tiger figure as an unfair imitation of the well-known leaping big cat.
A wristband without a print is not a medical device

According to the ECJ, unprinted patient wristbands are not medical devices and are therefore not subject to the strict requirements for medical devices.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Note on Deleted Reviews

Is a review site allowed to publicly display how many reviews of a business have been deleted due to complaints?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.