Region: Norway

Unilever may keep its CIF trademarks in Norway, but is not allowed to use them

In a decision that leaves some questions unanswered, the appeal court found that Lilleborg had lost its right to protest against Unilever’s registration of the CIF marks due to passivity, but not to react against their use.

21 April 2022

No trademark or unfair competition law protection for traditional Oslo restaurant’s name and logo, confirms Supreme Court

This is the second of two Norwegian Supreme Court decisions handed down on the same day dealing with the relationship between trademark law and unfair competition law.

14 January 2022

Supreme Court confirms that purchase of competitors’ trademarks as keywords on search engines does not violate unfair competition law

This is one of two Norwegian Supreme Court decisions handed down on the same day regarding the relationship between trademark law and unfair competition law.

07 January 2022

Appeal court overturns lower court’s decision in cable car logo dispute

The district court’s decision in this dispute between two cable car venues in Norwegian beauty spots had received some criticism for its application of Paragraphs 30 and 25 of the Marketing Control Act.

11 November 2021

New rules strengthen fight against illegal counterfeit goods

New rules under the Customs Act have entered into force, representing a considerable simplification compared to the old system. This update reviews the three changes that will be of particular significance to IP rights owners.

21 September 2021

SANTA CRUZ – a city, place, ship, given name or the Spanish for ‘holy cross’?

This decision of the Borgarting Court of Appeal highlights that, in the assessment of distinctive character, one must not confer greater geographical knowledge to the average consumer than there is basis for.

13 September 2021

Monopoly, Red Bull and Swatch feature in European Legal Updates you may have missed

WTR’s Legal Updates are written by a select panel of over 160 leading experts who analyse the latest trademark-related developments and decisions in more than 60 jurisdictions.

19 July 2021

Purchase of competitors’ trademarks as keywords on Google and other search engines does not violate unfair competition law

In a long-awaited decision, the Borgarting Appellate Court has held that, although such practice is somewhat parasitic, it does not amount to an act contrary to good business practice in violation of unfair competition law.

21 May 2021

Traditional Oslo restaurant’s name and logo not protected under trademark or unfair competition law, says appellate court

This case raises interesting questions regarding the threshold of inherent distinctiveness under Norwegian trademark law, and illustrates the complex relationship between trademark and unfair competition law in the country.

13 May 2021

Record amount of compensation awarded in GYRO case

This decision of the Oslo District Court illustrates the benefits of trademark registration and the importance of registering a trademark as soon as it becomes clear that it will be used in connection with the sale and marketing of a product.

22 April 2021