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Contact Maarten Heintges
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Maarten Heintges is an attorney-at-law in Clairfort’s Intellectual Property, IT & Privacy team, advising clients on IP, IT and privacy matters.
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Ezenia Coleman is undertaking an internship at Clairfort as part of the Intellectual Property, IT & Privacy team
Intellectual property
Ezenia Coleman, a law student from the University of San Francisco, describes her internship experience within Clairfort's IP team. She discusses her background in marketing and interest in intellectual property law, along with highlights from her time at the firm, including attending a court hearing. The article reflects on the educational and professional value of the internship.
Adverit Zeist, Netherlands04 Oct 2026
Puck Koster en Michelle van Dalen sworn in as attorneys-at-law
Intellectual property
Michelle van Dalen and Puck Koster were sworn in as attorneys-at-law at the Utrecht District Court. Both work within Clairfort's Intellectual Property, IT & Privacy team. Elise Menkhorst served as Michelle's patron, while Evert van Gelderen served as Puck's patron during the swearing-in process.
Adverit Zeist, Netherlands04 Oct 2026
Geographical Indications for Craft and Industrial Products: Key Date 2 December 2026
Intellectual property
The article discusses the upcoming EU regime extending geographical indication protection to craft and industrial products, with a key implementation date in December 2026. It outlines which producers may benefit from registration and the procedural steps involved. The piece highlights implications for manufacturers seeking to protect regional or traditional product designations. It also touches on enforcement mechanisms available once protection is granted.
Adverit Poznań, Poland04 Oct 2026
The ® and ™ Symbols Next to a Trademark – Rules for Use and Penalties
Intellectual property
This article examines the legal significance of the ® and ™ symbols when used alongside trademarks in Poland and the EU. It explains the distinction between registered and unregistered marks and the conditions under which each symbol may lawfully be used. The piece outlines potential penalties for misuse, including consumer protection and unfair competition consequences. It is aimed at businesses seeking to properly signal trademark rights in their branding materials.
Adverit Poznań, Poland04 Oct 2026
Can you monopolize a colour? On colours and their protection under trademark law.
Intellectual property
This article examines the legal proceedings initiated by 7-Eleven against Nike over alleged trademark infringement relating to colour use. It explores the broader question of whether and how a colour can be monopolised as a trademark. The piece discusses the criteria courts apply to assess distinctiveness of colour marks and the tension between protecting brand identity and preserving fair competition. It situates the dispute within existing EU and Benelux trademark case law on colour marks.
By Marie De Wit · Adverit Zeist, Netherlands01 Sep 2026
Case report for MARQUES: Dutch court rules that Birkenstock sandals are protected by copyright
Intellectual property
This case report covers proceedings between Birkenstock and retail chain Scapino, in which Birkenstock claimed copyright protection for several of its iconic sandal models. The Dutch court's ruling addresses when a product design can meet the originality threshold required for copyright protection. The report discusses the reasoning behind extending copyright to footwear designs traditionally protected mainly by design rights. It highlights implications for brand owners seeking broader IP protection for product shapes.
By Marie De Wit · Adverit Zeist, Netherlands01 Sep 2026
Clairfort IP team again in World Trademark Review 1000 – The World's Leading Trademark Professionals
Intellectual property
This article announces that Clairfort's IP team received two silver and two bronze rankings in the 2026 World Trademark Review 1000 list. It highlights recognition of the firm's trademark expertise on an international stage. The piece situates this achievement within the firm's ongoing investment in its Intellectual Property, IT & Privacy practice. It underscores the firm's continued visibility among leading trademark professionals worldwide.
By Marie De Wit · Adverit Zeist, Netherlands01 Sep 2026
Publication MARQUES: CJEU rules on copyright protection for works of applied art in Mio and Konektra cases
Intellectual property
This article reports on the 4 December 2025 ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union in the joined Mio and Konektra cases. The decision addresses the threshold for copyright protection of works of applied art, an area historically marked by fragmented national approaches. It clarifies how originality is assessed for functional/design objects across the EU. The piece situates the judgment's implications for designers and manufacturers seeking copyright protection alongside or instead of design rights.
By Marie De Wit · Adverit Zeist, Netherlands01 Sep 2026
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