Fifa triumphs in World Cup trademark spat with Ferrero

by Staff Marketing 10-Nov-05, 14:00

LONDON - Fifa has secured a landmark victory in a World Cup trademark row with confectionery company Ferrero.

Ferrero challenged EU rules banning companies unofficially associating themselves with next year's World Cup in Germany.

However, the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market ruled its attempts to register 11 marks, which included terms such as "World Cup Germany", were unlawful.

The OHIM has also ruled against the commercial use of the internet domain name www.wm2006.com by a sports betting company, and confirmed that only Fifa's commercial partners may use World Cup trademarks.

If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the Forum.