Theory and practice of intellectual property
№ 2 / 2024

ISSN (Print) 2308-0361
ISSN (Online) 2519-2744

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33731/22024.305558

Submitted     2024-04-14
Accepted      2024-05-07
Published      2024-06-04

EU trade mark protection and conflicts in the repair and spare parts market in circular economy

Svitlana Parkhomchuk
PhD (Law), intellectual property professional at the Ukrainian National Office for Intellectual Property and Innovations
Ukraine
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8845-2045

Abstract
The article discusses the connection between the EU intellectual property framework and business activities on the automotive repair market in the circular economy. It examines a typical case scenario related to the reproduction of third parties’ trade marks as an inherent part of the product’s appearance. A review of the EU trade mark law and case law demonstrated that current trade mark rules are not comparable to the repair clause in the Community design and are inadequate for the circular economy. The author suggests directions for improving law enforcement and updating approaches to the principles of trade mark protection.

Keywords: trade mark, repair clause, right to repair, spare parts

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