EUIPO Revokes AfD Trademark Rights
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has suffered a significant legal defeat, losing its European trademark rights for both its party logo and the abbreviation 'AfD'. The decision, issued by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) on November 18, 2025, cited a 'lack of serious use' of the contested trademarks as the primary reason for the revocation.
The ruling means that the AfD's submitted documentation only proved internal party use, failing to demonstrate sufficient commercial activity as a brand.
Origin of the Dispute
The proceedings were initiated in September 2023, when a Berlin law firm filed an application for the forfeiture of these trademark rights with the EUIPO, which is based in Alicante, Spain.
After more than two years of deliberation, the EU authority upheld the request, concluding that the trademarks had not been significantly used for an uninterrupted period of five years.
Implications for the Party
The loss of these European trademark rights could have notable consequences for the AfD. It makes it more challenging for the party to prevent third parties from commercially using its logo or abbreviation, for instance, on merchandise such as T-shirts, including those carrying critical political messages.
Despite this, the party's name rights remain unaffected, as the ruling pertains exclusively to commercial trademark usage.
AfD's Response and Further Legal Battles
The AfD has announced its intention to appeal the EUIPO's decision. A party office spokesperson stated, 'The AfD will appeal the EUIPO decisions and we are confident they will be overturned.'
The party also confirmed that separate cancellation proceedings are currently underway against seven of its trademarks at the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) in Munich. These national proceedings are not expected to be resolved before next year.
However, the AfD maintains that 'Regardless of the outcome of these proceedings, the name, the abbreviation 'AfD' and also the AfD logo are widely protected by numerous other trademarks, as well as by the right to the name.'
9 Comments
Bermudez
EUIPO meddling in national politics again. The AfD will appeal and win.
Habibi
This is a clear political attack, not a genuine trademark issue. They're just trying to weaken the AfD.
Muchacho
On one hand, the decision upholds the principle that trademark rights require active commercial engagement, which is fair. On the other, it could be seen by some as an attempt to delegitimize a political entity through legal means, regardless of the party's views.
Coccinella
While the 'lack of serious use' rule is standard for trademarks, it's hard to ignore the political context of this challenge. It feels like a symbolic blow rather than a fundamental one.
Leonardo
The EUIPO's decision on trademark use seems legally sound based on the criteria for commercial registration. Yet, for a political party, their 'brand' is inherently political, not commercial, making the application of these rules feel somewhat misaligned with their actual function.
Noir Black
A legal defeat well deserved. Their brand isn't about commercial use anyway, it's about hate.
Eugene Alta
Excellent news! Less protection for a party that spreads division.
Loubianka
They're targeting the AfD because their ideas are gaining traction. This is unfair.
KittyKat
Doesn't change anything. People know who the AfD is, logo or not.