Another Episode in the Budweiser Saga
The ECJ has ruled that Anhueser-Busch InBev should be restricted from registering the word ‘BUDWEISER’ as a Community trade mark. This decision puts this particular aspect of the long running legal battle between the two parties to an end. The drama began on 1 April 1996 when Anheuser-Busch filed an application with OHIM for registration as a Community Trade Mark of the word sign ‘BUDWEISER’.
Anheuser Busch still holds the trade mark rights for the words ‘BUD’ and ‘BUDWEISER’ in 23 EU countries, and the decision to refuse registration of a Community trade mark has no bearing on the standing of these EU national rights.
It remains to be seen what the next chapter of this interesting legal battle will bring.
