Fabian's "Pride Month" Trademark: What Does It Mean for "Stolzmonat"?
Celebration Month is Marked for Notable Queer Personalities
Let's discuss the possible implications of Berlin-based content creator, Fabian Grischkat (24), securing the trademark for "Pride Month." The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has given the green light, despite an objection, and the word mark is now official.
"Now that it's black and white that the trademark for 'Pride Month' belongs to me, and by extension everyone who values an open and free society, I won't let it be taken away," says Grischkat.
While lawyer and AfD politician Sascha Schloessen from Erfurt confirmed that the objection was rejected in March, he still stands by the opinion that "Pride Month" is a descriptive word combination ineligible for trademark protection.
Pride Month vs. "Stolzmonat"
June, or Pride Month, celebrates the queer community and raises awareness about discrimination through events and parades. The far-right scene introduced "Stolzmonat" (the German equivalent of Pride Month) a few years ago, often using it to share hateful messages on social media platforms. Merchandise, such as shirts and flags, bearing the "Stolzmonat" name were sold in online shops.
A New Meaning for "Stolzmonat"
Grischkat submitted the trademark application to the European trademark office last year and now sells rainbow items online under this banner for a noble cause. He didn't register the trademark to sue others, but to safeguard his own collection and associated projects.
"If 'Stolzmonat' is misused for political purposes contradicting the trademark's values in the future, I will, of course, intervene," he stated, urging everyone to "reclaim 'Stolzmonat' as a symbol of humanity."
Best known for advocating for climate issues and the rights of queer people on social media for over ten years, Grischkat brands himself as a "news influencer." He explains political debates to young people mainly on social media platforms.
Enrichment Insights:
- Grischkat's trademark covers commercial uses of the term, such as merchandise, events, and promotion related to LGBTQ+ pride activities.
- Trademark infringement might be challenging to prove if the trademark only covers the English term, making direct trademark infringement difficult.
- If "Stolzmonat" is used commercially or to promote products/events that infringe on the trademark, they could potentially face legal challenges.
- Legal action against far-right groups might be tricky due to public opinion, freedom of speech concerns, and complications in enforcing trademark regulations in politically charged contexts.
- While the trademark could impact commercial uses of "Stolzmonat" by far-right actors, its impact on ideological and non-commercial uses is limited due to political speech protections.
- The trademark for 'Pride Month' now officially belongs to content creator Fabian Grischkat, potentially leading to a new meaning for the German equivalent, 'Stolzmonat.'
- Grischkat, a social media influencer known for his advocacy for climate issues and LGBTQ+ rights, sells rainbow items under the 'Stolzmonat' banner and has stated he'll intervene if the term is misused for purposes contradicting its values.
- In politics and policy-and-legislation discussions, 'Stolzmonat' might become a topic as the trademark could influence commercial uses of the term, but non-commercial and ideological uses may be protected under freedom of speech considerations.
