Turkish antiquarian wins lawsuit against luxury brand Hermès
A court in Ankara overturned in part a decision by the Turkish Patent Office that allowed only the company Hermès Paris to use the name of the Greek god in various business fields, including the sale of books and magazines.
This is an important victory, said Hilmi Güllü, lawyer for the antiquarian: "International companies like Hermès Paris pursue an aggressive brand policy and overstep their actual business field," he said. "With this ruling, we have paved the way to challenge this practice."
The antiquarian had filed for trademark protection for his company in 2021. A Hermès representative then intervened at the Turkish Patent Office and in court to deny the trademark protection and also the use of the name Hermes. Hermès Paris had referred to a supposed "risk of confusion".
- The antiquarian's bookseller business in Izmir could potentially expand its offerings to include luxury goods, following the court's decision in Ankara.
- The AFP reported that the Paris-based luxury-brand Hermès had faced opposition in Turkey, with the Turkish Patent Office's decision being challenged.
- Despite being based in Paris, the renowned Luxury-Brand Hermès continues to encounter legal challenges to its business expansion, even in cities like Ankara and Izmir.
- The positive ruling in Ankara against Hermès Paris allowed the Turkish bookseller to use the name 'Hermes' in his trademark, similar to how luxury stores in Paris sell 'Hermès' handbags.
- The legal victory in Ankara serves as a reminder to international companies like Hermès Paris to respect local trademarks and avoid encroaching on unrelated business fields, such as book selling in Ankara or Izmir.
