What are well-known Marks?
Well-known marks “are marks that are considered to be well-known by the competent authority of the country where protection for the mark is sought. Well known marks generally benefit from stronger protection. For example, well-known marks may be protected even if they are not registered (or have not even been used) in a given territory. In addition, while marks are generally protected against confusingly similar marks only if used for identical or similar products, well-known marks are protected against confusingly similar marks for even dissimilar products, if certain conditions are met. The main purpose of this stronger protection is to prevent companies from free-riding on the reputation of a well-known mark and/or causing damage to its reputation or goodwill.
