Italian Supreme Court on the iconic Vespa design: is it “too artistic” to be a trade mark?

Contacts

andrea vantini Module
Andrea Vantini

Associate
Italy

I am a lawyer in our Intellectual Property department at the Milan office, mainly dealing with patents, trademarks, designs, copyright, and assisting our clients in national and cross-border litigations.

On November 28, 2023 the Italian Supreme Court issued a key decision about the iconic Vespa design. In doing so, the Court considered whether a design that was also covered by copyright, was precluded from registration as a 3D trade mark. According to the Court, if the shape of the product has artistic value under copyright law, it usually has substantial value under trademark law and, therefore, it cannot be registered as a 3D trade mark.

Latest insights

More Insights
Curiosity line pink background

Consumer right of withdrawal for distance sales of motor vehicles: Recent French Case Law Development

3 minutes Nov 25 2025

Read More
featured image

Germany: Advertising in the Automotive Sector - Pkw-EnVKV & Co.

8 minutes Nov 24 2025

Read More
Curiosity line green background

Czech Republic: Impact of the New Cybersecurity Act on Foreign Direct Investment Screening

1 minute Nov 21 2025

Read More