Iceland Foods continues 8-year trademark battle with Icelandic government
Iceland has entered the latest phase of its ongoing trademark dispute with the Icelandic government, as the frozen food retailer appeals against a decision that stripped it of EU trademark protection for the word Iceland.
Executive chairman Richard Walker OBE appeared at the General Court of The European Union in Luxembourg on 16 October to provide opening statements in the supermarket’s appeal. This marks the third round of legal proceedings in an eight-year battle over the use of the word ‘Iceland’ for marketing products in the EU.
The dispute started in 2016 when the Icelandic government challenged Iceland Foods’ EU trademark, which the retailer had secured in 2014. The challenge came after the Deeside-based company attempted to prevent Icelandic producers from using their country’s name to market products.
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In December 2022, the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) upheld a 2019 ruling that revoked Iceland’s trademark protection. While this decision does not affect the company’s ability to operate or sell its products in the EU, it prevents the retailer from claiming exclusive use of the word in the bloc.
In a LinkedIn post, Walker described the legal battle as “a really important battle” for his family business. He added: “We have traded under the Iceland name in the UK since 1970 and today we are one of the UK’s most recognised brands with 1000 shops, 5m customers a week and a growing international presence in more than 65 countries – including many in the EU and EEA.”
The retailer maintains that its name refers to the “land of ice” rather than the country. While Iceland did not provide an official comment on the ongoing case, the company anticipates that the legal proceedings could continue for some time.
5 Comments. Leave new
Call it Bejam after all you did nick the business from them some years ago……… and the brand was very well recognised too
I hope this matter is sorted out. A couple of years ago I flew to Iceland (the country) and couldn’t find a prawn ring anywhere. I’ve been to a few Iceland stores but none of the staff know anything about the geyser or the Blue Lagoon or when they’re likely to be in stock. It’s very confusing.
Love your take, great humour 👌 😀
No Gregg’s at Keflavik Airport either, despite it being an Iceland exclusive 🤷♂️
TFI Friday