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
featured image

Petrol and pies in focus: ACCC sends Coles and Ampol to phase 2

6 minutes Feb 11 2026

Read More
featured image

Patentability of Artificial Neural Networks to be decided by UK Supreme Court on Wednesday 11 February

4 minutes Feb 10 2026

Read More
featured image

CJEU to revisit Santen doctrine: German court challenges SPC interpretation for veterinary medicinal products

7 minutes Feb 10 2026

Read More