The Sweet Legacy of Sprüngli

Hello, everyone! Welcome to another episode of lawyer_on_trademarks, where I share with you some fascinating stories and facts about trade marks from around the world. Today, I want to talk to you about one of my favorite trade marks, which is also one of the most delicious ones: Sprüngli.

Sprüngli is a Swiss luxury confectionery manufacturer and retailer that was founded in 1836 by David Sprüngli. He bought a confectioner’s shop in Zürich and started producing chocolates with his son Rudolf. In 1859, they opened the famous shop on Paradeplatz, which is still there today. In 1892, the chocolate-producing branch of the business split off from the confectionery and became Lindt & Sprüngli, while the confectionery remained as Confiserie Sprüngli.

Sprüngli is best known for its Luxemburgerli, a form of macarons that were invented by a Sprüngli confectioner from Luxembourg in 1957. They are now the company’s flagship product, and they come in various flavors and colors. Sprüngli also produces other delicacies, such as pralines, truffles, cakes, pastries, and ice cream, all made from the finest ingredients and with exquisite craftsmanship.  

Sprüngli is a trade mark that represents quality, tradition, and innovation. It is a trade mark that has been passed down from generation to generation, and that has been protected and defended against infringers and imitators. It is a trade mark that has a loyal and global customer base, and that has expanded to 35 retail and café locations across Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and the United Arab Emirates.

Sprüngli is a trade mark that I admire and enjoy, and I hope you do too. If you ever have a chance to visit Zürich, I highly recommend you to stop by the Sprüngli shop and café on Paradeplatz and treat yourself to some of their heavenly creations. You won’t regret it!

I have a personal connection to this trade mark, as I used to work in Zürich on a huge legal project a few years ago. I visited Sprüngli often and indulged myself with their chocolates and macarons. They always brightened up my day and made me feel happy and relaxed.

Before we dive into the intricacies of trade marks, let’s understand their pivotal role in your business. A trade mark, whether a word, logo, slogan, shape, color, sound, or a combination, identifies and differentiates your products or services. It’s your brand’s identity, safeguarding your reputation and customers.

Why Trade Marks Matter?

Protection: Exclusive rights to use and prevent confusion with similar signs.

Communication: Conveys your message, values, and quality to customers.

Legal Shield: Vital for brand integrity, loyalty, and profit increase.

Registered vs. Unregistered Trade Marks

Registered: Stronger, wider protection, easier to enforce, and defend.

Unregistered: Limited protection, subject to local laws and common law rights.

How to Register a Trade Mark?

File an application with the relevant trade mark office.

Provide details like your name, address, sign, products/services, and class.

Pay the application cost, varying by country, region, classes, and sign type.

Registration Process:

Examination checks distinctiveness, availability, and lawfulness.

Approved? Receive a trade mark registration certificate.

Rejected? Appeal or file a new.

Duration and Renewal

Registration typically lasts 10 years, renewable indefinitely.

Process duration varies (months to years) based on factors like region and complexity.

The Role of Trade Mark Attorneys/Agents

Professionals assisting with filing, search, protection, and enforcement.

Help with transfer, license, opposition, and international registration strategies.

Trade Mark Searches

Preliminary step to assess availability and registrability.

Basic and comprehensive searches reveal potential conflicts and objections.

Why Consult a Trade Mark Attorney/Agent?

Trademarks demand knowledge, skills, and attention.

Avoid common pitfalls, save time, money, and protect your reputation.

Stay Tuned for More!

For a step-by-step guide on trade mark registration, multiple-class trade marks, special form trade marks, trade mark designs, and overseas registration, follow my account. I’ll share insights on trade mark benefits, costs, services, and showcase examples.

Don’t Miss Out!

Embark on the journey into the world of trade marks with me. Follow now and gain valuable insights—your business deserves it!