Protection for creative ideas: Hamburg's path to becoming a food location!

Protection for creative ideas: Hamburg's path to becoming a food location!

A lot is happening in the food industry and brand protection in Northern Germany. The Hamburg location is particularly attractive, not only because of its large number of companies, but also because of the support facilities that are located here. Dr. Hanna Blaschke from the Innovation and Patent Center (IPC) emphasizes that although recipes cannot be directly protected under trademark law, they can still find their place as trade secrets. It is important to consider the protection of your own ideas right from the start in order to effectively protect your own business.

Certain symbols in particular can be protected under trademark law - these include, among other things, logos, designs and even sounds such as the characteristic hiss of a coffee machine. Welcome to the new Food Cluster Hamburg, which not only offers a rich network but also a variety of further training opportunities. The focus is on training on topics such as regulation, quality assurance and innovation management in order to promote intensive exchange between the approximately 4,500 companies and their 123,000 employees. Managing director Sascha Taube illustrates the dimensions of this industry: “More people are employed there than in two sold-out Volkspark stadiums.”

Brand protection as the key to success

How does trademark protection actually work? Quite simply: A brand identifies the goods and services of a provider and sets them apart from others. Trademark protection arises through registration with the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) or through circulation. Taking precautions for your own brand protection could be crucial if you have a good hand. But caution is advised here, as there are numerous barriers to protection that need to be taken into account.

• Fehlende Unterscheidungskraft
• Produktbeschreibende Zeichen
• Verstoß gegen gute Sitten
• Bösgläubigkeit bei der Anmeldung

With an entry in the register, the owner acquires the sole right to use the corresponding products and can therefore even sell or license his brand. Important to know: the brands can be extended for an unlimited period of ten years as long as the renewal fee is paid on time. But it's not just new brands that should be kept in mind; Even if the trademark is not used within five years, it can be deleted. If you look at the drawing landscape, there are exciting opportunities here - especially for creative minds and innovative concepts.

A support network for founders and companies

The Innovation and Patent Center in Hamburg not only offers advice for companies, founders and inventors, but is also a valuable contact point for obtaining important information regarding trademark law. Lawyers and trademark lawyers are there to support the entire registration process. The topic of trademark law is so complex and profound that professional support is often indispensable.

The diversity of options and the support that Hamburg as a food location provides are ideal conditions for being successful in a business environment. Companies that are looking for a strong network and value their brand protection should take advantage of the opportunities offered - after all, a good brand is worth a lot!

For more information on the topics of trademark protection and trademark law, those interested can visit the websites of Hamburg business, DPMA and Elbe Chancellery visit.