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Adidas Wins The Legal Battle Of Parallel Strips On Sports Shoes

Adidas Wins The Legal Battle Of Parallel Strips On Sports Shoes

In a recent judgment, the European Court of Justice ruled that Adidas may bar the registration as a Community trade mark, of parallel strips on the sides of sports shoes. The facts: in 2009 the Belgian Company Shoe Branding Europe has filed an application for a Community trade mark for footwear consisting of two parallel bands. Adidas has then filed opposition on the grounds that one of its earlier marks consists of three parallel bands. OHIM, in the first instance, has rejected the opposition. However, following an appeal, the EU General Court has ruled in favor of Adidas. The Belgian Company has filed an appeal to the European Court of Justice, which, however, has confirmed the previous judgment.