Connection
The predictable happened: Lacoste filed an opposition, citing the enormous reputation of its brand — and succeeded. According to the European trademark office EUIPO, consumers would easily associate this Lacoste e-bike with the world-renowned clothing brand Lacoste. The EUIPO ruled that this gives the e-bike an “unfair boost,” which is prohibited. The lesson here is clear: even if you sell entirely different products, it’s best to steer clear of world-famous brands. It almost always ends badly.
Bas Kist
