The Franconian sporting goods manufacturer Puma is still allowed to speak "Blessed" (blessed) printed on t-shirts and sweaters in his lifestyle series featuring Brazilian footballer Neymar Jr. In summary proceedings, the Frankfurt Higher Regional Court dismissed the application of a restaurateur from Frankfurt who wanted to use the word/figurative mark "#Blessed" also for textiles and wanted to force Puma to stop.
Puma brand ambassador Neymar has the word tattooed on his neck. In addition to the word, symbols of the manufacturer can also be seen on the products. It is a statement by Neymar about his attitude towards life, "which is not branded and does not refer to the brand owner"said a Puma spokesman.
According to a statement on Monday, the Higher Regional Court did not recognize any infringement of the trademark. Such lettering is generally understood as a decorative element and not as an indication of origin, the judges justified their non-appealable decision. Puma spoke of fundamental importance because it would protect you from "that brand trolls or other brand owners inappropriately attack product names that are not currently being used as a brand".(dpa)
