CJEU Expands Trade Mark Law to Include the Design of a Store Layout: Apple Inc v Deutsches Patent- und Markenamt (German Patent and Trade Mark Office)

摘要

This article considers the Court of Justice of the European Union's ruling in Apple Inc v Deutsches Patent- und Markenamt' concerning the scope of European trade mark legislation. Considering the applicable legislative provisions, the court examines whether it is possible to obtain a trade mark for the design of the layout of a retail store. Justifications for the decision are analysed.