Intellectual Property Law · European Union
Stop Copycats Using Your Trademark — and Defend Against Baseless Claims
When someone uses a mark confusingly similar to yours, or accuses you of doing the same, the response you choose in the first days shapes the whole dispute. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted lawyer who handles trademark infringement claims and defences across Europe every day.
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- Infringement specialists across the EU & EEA
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Who this is for
Infringement is about confusion in the marketplace, not just copied logos
Trademark infringement occurs when a third party uses a sign that is identical or confusingly similar to a registered mark, for identical or similar goods or services, in a way that is likely to confuse consumers about the source of the product. It can take many forms — a rival’s new brand, a domain name, counterfeit goods, keyword advertising, or a product packaged to imitate yours. The law across Europe is broadly harmonised, but enforcement is national: the courts, remedies and procedures differ from country to country, and the right response depends on where the harm is happening. Infringement disputes are rarely just about money; they are about protecting the reputation and distinctiveness your brand has built, often over years. Acting quickly and strategically — with the right evidence — is what turns a threat into a resolution.
Why disputes go wrong
The wrong first move in an infringement dispute
can cost you the whole case
Evidence, jurisdiction and timing decide these cases — and amateurs routinely get all three wrong.
Reacting without evidence
Firing off angry messages or public accusations before you have documented the infringement can alert the other side, allow them to cover their tracks, and even expose you to counterclaims.
Fighting in the wrong place
Infringement is enforced country by country, and choosing the wrong jurisdiction — or the wrong remedy — wastes time and money while the copying continues.
Mistaking similarity for infringement
Not every similar mark is an infringement; factors like the goods involved, the marketplace and your mark’s strength all matter. A misjudged claim can fail and damage your own credibility.
What you get
A measured, effective response to any infringement
We match you with trademark infringement lawyers who act for both rights holders and accused parties across Europe.
Fast evidence gathering
Your lawyer documents the infringement properly from the first day — screenshots, purchases, records of use and confusion — so your case rests on proof, not assertion.
Cease-and-desist strategy
A carefully drafted, evidence-backed demand letter can end many disputes quickly, while a careless one can inflame them. Yours is always crafted to resolve, never to escalate.
Injunction & damages
Where informal steps fail, your lawyer seeks the interim or permanent injunctions, takedowns and damages available in the relevant country to stop the harm and recover losses.
Defence against claims
Accused of infringement? Your lawyer carefully assesses the claim against your rights, explores non-infringement and validity defences, and negotiates or litigates to protect your business.
Coverage
Trademark infringement lawyers across Europe
Trademark infringement is enforced nationally, even where the underlying law is harmonised across the EU, so the right lawyer is one who acts in the courts of the country where the harm occurs. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Trademark infringement — common questions
What counts as trademark infringement?
Infringement generally occurs when someone uses a sign identical or confusingly similar to your registered mark, for identical or similar goods or services, in a way likely to confuse consumers. Counterfeiting and certain uses of well-known marks can amount to more serious forms of infringement.
Do I need a registered trademark to sue for infringement?
In most countries, infringement actions require a registered mark. Unregistered rights may be enforceable in some jurisdictions under unfair competition or ‘passing off’ rules, but these are generally harder to prove. A lawyer can confirm which rights you can actually rely on.
What should I do first if someone is using my trademark?
Document everything — the use, the products, the dates and any evidence of actual confusion — before you contact the other party. Then seek legal advice before sending any demand, because a poorly drafted or premature letter can backfire.
Can I stop infringement without going to court?
Frequently, yes. Many disputes are resolved through a well-evidenced cease-and-desist letter, negotiation, or a co-existence agreement. Court action is usually a later step, used when informal resolution fails or immediate harm demands it.
What remedies are available for trademark infringement?
Remedies vary by country but typically include interim and permanent injunctions to stop the use, damages or an account of profits, delivery-up or destruction of infringing goods, and publication of the judgment. Your lawyer will explain what applies in your case.
What if I’m accused of trademark infringement?
Do not ignore it. Assess the claim against your own rights and the strength of the other side’s mark — there may be valid defences, such as differences in the marks or goods, or your own earlier rights. Early legal advice is the best protection against an escalating dispute.
Free case review
Protect the reputation your brand has earned
Tell us about the unauthorised use — or the claim against you — and we’ll connect you with a trademark infringement lawyer who handles cases across Europe every day — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.