Putin Trade Mark Application A Step Too Far For EUIPO

A recent EU trade mark application for the word mark, PUT PUTIN IN, has been refused by the European Union Intellectual Property Office on the grounds of being contrary to public policy or to accepted principles of morality. While a fairly straightforward decision, this is a timely reminder to applicants to ensure their trade mark applications are unlikely to cause serious offence, particularly in light of the Russia-Ukraine war.

PUT PUTIN IN trade mark application

EU application 018843822 PUT PUTIN IN was filed in class 25 in relation to "clothing; headgear". The examiner refused the mark, citing Article 7.1(f) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 – trade marks which are contrary to public policy or to accepted principles of morality shall not be registered. The examiner noted in their decision that the target audience is the English-speaking public who would perceive the mark as being a reference to imprisoning Russian President, Vladimir Putin.¹