2022 Trend: trademark protection for virtual objects

2022’s leading trend is already apparent as major companies immerse themselves in the world of Web3 and NFTs. A quick browse through the European trademark register shows that in the first months of 2022 alone, the following companies registered their trademark for virtual goods in class 9:

NIKE, Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, PUMA, Diesel, Converse, Crocs, Burberry, New Balance, Bulgari, McDonald’s, Heineken, FILA, KAPPA, Versace, Hugo Boss, AXE (Unilever), Red Bull, Monster Energy, Fendi, G-STAR, Levi’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, Budweiser and David Beckham. The Empire State Building registered its trademark for virtual goods, registering the image of the tower separately as a figurative mark.

There has also been an increase in the number of major players submitting registrations for Web3 / blockchain and coins. Brands including APECOIN, the logo of Yugalabs, Polkadot and OpenSea have been registered as a trademark in the European Union.

This shows that NFTs, Web3 and blockchain are professionalising at a very rapid pace and global brands are getting on board (if they have not already done so).

Would you like to learn more about protecting NFTs and how your trademark can be protected? Read more on this topic here or contact us.