Neuschwanstein
as
trademark?
Neuschwanstein
as
trademark?
by
Walt Disney used it as the model for his iconic symbol. Millions of tourists visit it every year: the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. In 2005, someone filed an application for the word trademark “Neuschwanstein” for a wide range of goods and services. The trademark registered in connection with that application was the subject of proceedings before the Federal Patent Court.
The “Neuschwanstein” trademark
The “Neuschwanstein” trademark was registered with the DPMA for classes 4, 5, 15, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 36, 38, 39, 43, and 44 for a wide range of goods and services.
In 2007, someone filed a request for cancellation of this registration, arguing that the trademark was subject to absolute grounds for refusal and should therefore be canceled.
The DPMA subsequently ordered the cancellation of the trademark. “Neuschwanstein” is the name of King Ludwig II’s world-famous castle located in the municipality of Schwangau. It is one of the most visited castles and fortresses in Europe and is very well known to the domestic public. As a tourist attraction, it serves, on the one hand, as a symbol of Germany and Bavaria and, on the other hand, as a symbol of a sophisticated atmosphere and a special sense of romance.
Neuschwanstein Castle is part of Bavaria’s cultural heritage. Just as the names of historical figures are, historical buildings are part of the cultural heritage of the general public.
Consumers would attribute an advertising function to the term “Neuschwanstein” rather than a function indicating commercial origin. Accordingly, the term lacks the necessary distinctiveness with respect to the claimed goods and services.
The trademark owner filed an appeal against this decision with the Federal Patent Court.
Court Upholds Cancellation of the Trademark
The Federal Patent Court (Decision of November 4, 2010 – 25 W (pat) 182/09) dismissed the appeal and upheld the cancellation of the trademark.
The word “Neuschwanstein” clearly and exclusively refers to the world-famous castle in Schwangau and is suitable as a designation for a travel destination, namely this premier tourist attraction, “Neuschwanstein Castle.” With regard to the services “organization of trips; catering and lodging services for guests,” this designation therefore constitutes a descriptive indication, which leads to the denial of trademark protection.
Names of well-known tourist attractions, such as “Neuschwanstein,” lack the necessary distinctiveness when used in connection with goods that are typically offered in the vicinity of such tourist destinations as souvenirs or to meet tourists’ needs for food, beverages, or other items.
However, the term “Neuschwanstein” refers not only to a tourist attraction, but also to a structure that constitutes an outstanding part of the national cultural heritage. Names of cultural assets of outstanding significance that are part of the national cultural heritage or the World Cultural Heritage are, for this reason as well, excluded from monopolization and commercialization under trademark law. Such designations generally lack distinctiveness even in the absence of any factual connection to the claimed goods and services.
Conclusion
Following this decision, at the very latest, it will be difficult to protect the names of culturally significant buildings and individuals as trademarks. The Federal Patent Court ultimately denies these names any distinctiveness and, consequently, any eligibility for protection as trademarks, regardless of the specific goods and services involved. It remains to be seen to what extent trademarks such as “Sanssouci”—which also include the name of a highly significant cultural landmark—will have to fear for their trademark protection.
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