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Turkey has filed an appeal against the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) decision that annulled the \u201cTurkAegean\u201d trademark. The appeal was submitted just days before the deadline, which officially expires on Monday. This move was widely expected, as Turkey appears determined to continue its legal battle following the landmark ruling on January 10, which invalidated the trademark initially registered by Turkey\u2019s Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) on December 16, 2021.<\/p>\n
The key point of interest now is Turkey\u2019s justification for the appeal, which TGA must submit within the next two months, by May 10. Legal experts familiar with the case told Kathimerini that the EUIPO based its decision on only two of the five arguments presented by Greece, leaving three additional concerns unaddressed. These included broader geopolitical issues, such as Turkey\u2019s expansionist \u201cBlue Homeland\u201d doctrine. Experts believe the initial ruling is well-founded, making it unlikely that Turkey will succeed in overturning the decision.<\/p>\n
The \u201cTurkAegean\u201d trademark covered six categories: advertising, media, transportation services, education, hospitality, and legal services. However, the EUIPO decision (C58927) cited several reasons for its annulment, most notably that the trademark contained strong geographical connotations, which conflicted with EU trademark laws. According to the ruling, \u201cTurkAegean\u201d would be understood by English-speaking EU consumers as referring to the \u201cTurkish part of the Aegean,\u201d which was deemed misleading.<\/p>\n
Additionally, the EUIPO determined that the term lacked originality or any distinctive characteristics. It also dismissed the accompanying red heart symbol as a common advertising element used to convey a customer-centric approach, offering no uniqueness.<\/p>\n
The EUIPO further rejected Turkey\u2019s claim that Greece\u2019s challenge constituted an abuse of rights. Instead, it affirmed that Greece had a legitimate interest in contesting the trademark. Also, the ruling did not challenge Greece\u2019s argument that Turkey\u2019s application violated public order, ethical principles, and was filed in bad faith.<\/p>\n
The Greek Industrial Property Organization (OBI) was supported in the legal battle by the Venieris & Alexandropoulou and Patrinos & Kilimiris law firms.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n