Ralph Lauren wins the polo match

Ralph Lauren stands for a recognisable world of classic style, sporting elegance, quality and luxury.

The well-known logo featuring the polo player on horseback is an important symbol of that world. One glance is enough to understand the atmosphere surround the brand. It is therefore logical that the trademark owner wants to protect it properly.

Ralph Lauren therefore immediately filed an opposition when a new European trademark application was filed for, among other things, clothing, shoes, hats, scarves and socks, also showing a polo player on a horseback as a logo. The image is considerably more abstract and less detailed than the Ralph Lauren logo, but the impression that remains is the same: a rider on a horse holding a polo stick.

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) considered that the application came too close. In particular, there was conceptual similarity between the marks. Because the marks were intended for identical products and Ralph Lauren’s logo is well known, consumers could make a connection between the marks. The EUIPO considered it plausible that the applicant could benefit from that reputation, the product of what Ralph Lauren has built up for its brand over many years: an image of quality, luxury, and elegance. The trademark application was therefore refused in its entirety.

In our view, this was the right decision. The longer you look at these logos, the more similar they become: it is a rider in exactly the same pose. Only this rider has been given a slightly more modern appearance. If this logo were placed on a garment, consumers could quickly think it came from Ralph Lauren.

Author: Arnaud Bos

Bio: Arnaud is trademark attorney and within Knijff responsible for the marketing & communication. Arnaud is specialist in the metaverse and music sectors and his client portfolio includes many upcoming and renowned bands. He keeps a close eye on the latest case law in the EU and will let you know when he sees remarkable applications.