The Frankfurt Higher Regional Court has dealt with an unusual trademark infringement. In summary proceedings, the judges prohibited a manufacturer of animal clothing from selling its products under the name “The Dog Face”. The reason is the deliberate proximity to the well-known outdoor clothing brand “The North Face”, the judiciary reported on Tuesday. The decision (Ref.: 6 W 32/22) is no longer contestable.
The judges found that the trademark rights to “The North Face” were affected by the animal clothing. It is not important that the brand name and the brand symbols used are only similar to the originals. It is enough that customers could assume that “The North Face” has expanded its range to include dog clothing “to enable dog owners who practice sports to practice their outdoor sports in a partner look with the animal.” (dpa)