Log in

CLASS 46


Now in its twelfth year, Class 46 is dedicated to European trade mark law and practice. This weblog is written by a team of enthusiasts who want to spread the word and share their thoughts with others.

Want to receive Class 46 by email?
Click here subscribe for free.

Who we all are...
Anthonia Ghalamkarizadeh
Birgit Clark
Blog Administrator
Christian Tenkhoff
Fidel Porcuna
Gino Van Roeyen
Markku Tuominen
Niamh Hall
Nikos Prentoulis
Stefan Schröter
Tomasz Rychlicki
Yvonne Onomor
TUESDAY, 4 AUGUST 2009
Swiss customs seizes Victorinox goods

Victorinox is one of the two companies that make the original Swiss Army Knife. In recent years, it has expanded its brand to numerous other goods, such as luggage, leather goods, clothing and even perfume. While the Swiss Army Knives are undisputedly made in Switzerland, some of the other goods, notably the travel gear, is made in China or Taiwan. However, Victorinox still attaches the Swiss cross to them - for Victorinox, the cross and shield is its brand, not an indication of geographic origin.


The entrepreneur and politician Thomas Minder begs to differ. Upon his complaint, Swiss customs authorities have seized 116 boxes of luggage made in China with the Victorinox Swiss cross brand affixed. He has now filed a criminal complaint in Basel-Stadt for violation of trade mark law and unfair competition. News article here (German).

Note: Minder does not mind the use of the Swiss cross on the Swiss Army Knives, as they are manufactured in Switzerland. However, under current law, the Swiss cross may not be affixed on any good, even when made in Switzerland (it may be used for services, however). This is considered illogical and one of the reasons why the law is about to be amended (parliamentary discussion will be held this fall).

Posted by: Mark Schweizer @ 07.56
Tags: customs, Geographical indications, Switzerland,
Sharing on Social Media? Use the link below...
Perm-A-Link: https://www.marques.org/blogs/class46?XID=BHA1261
Reader Comments: 0
Post a Comment


MARQUES does not guarantee the accuracy of the information in this blog. The views are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of MARQUES. Seek professional advice before action on any information included here.


The Class 46 Archive






 

 

 

 

 

 


CONTACT

info@marques.org
+44 (0)116 2747355
POST ADDRESS

9 Cartwright Court, Cartwright Way
Bardon, Leicestershire
LE67 1UE

EMAIL

Ingrid de Groot
Internal Relations Officer
ingrid.de.groot@marques.org
Alessandra Romeo
External Relations Officer
aromeo@marques.org
James Nurton
Newsletter Editor
editor@marques.org
Robert Harrison
Webmaster
robertharrison@marques.org
BLOGS

Signup for our blogs.
Headlines delivered to your inbox