Oktoberfest Trademark Showdown: City of Munich vs EUIPO in the European Court of Justice
Oktoberfest's trademark dispute progresses to another round.
What's up with Oktoberfest's name being controversially branded? TheCity of Munich and the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) are going head-to-head in the European Court of Justice as the drama over who can advertise using the Oktoberfest name heats up!
This feud revolves around the advertising rights of the Oktoberfest moniker, like slapping it on beer steins and lederhosen. In 2021, the EUIPO registered the trademark in Munich's favor. But, a Swedish company put on the pressure, causing the registration to be invalidated for various items such as clothing, beer glasses, and drinking mugs [1].
The Swedes argued that while Oktoberfest describes the style of goods, it doesn't link the products with their origin for consumers [1]. Distinctiveness - whether a mark indicates quality or origin - is a crucial factor in trademark law, like how famous fashions brands' protected marks suggest quality [1]. Munich tried to defend their registration by challenging the EUIPO’s decision, but their appeal was declined, leading them to appeal before the European Court of Justice [1].
The court date for the ruling is yet to be announced, so we'll have to wait and see who can legally rock the "Oktoberfest" name on their advertising [1].
[Sources]1. ntv.de, dpa2. Bluewin.ch, "Trademark dispute over Oktoberfest enters hot phase," June 19, 2025.
The Community and employment policies of both Munich and the EUIPO could potentially influence the outcome of the court case regarding the Oktoberfest trademark, as this case has significant implications for the industry, particularly finance, in the production and marketing of Oktoberfest-themed merchandise. The final decision from the European Court of Justice, which is yet to be announced, may dictate future employment opportunities within this industry due to the impact it could have on the marketing and sales of Oktoberfest-branded goods.
