Background
SimonGraeser was selected to write a review of one of the standard works in intellectual property law: Achim Bender “Unionsmarke”, 6th edition 2025, 688 pages, ISBN 978-3-452-30454-4, was published in Mitteilungen der deutschen Patentanwälte, issued 10/2025.
Content of the review
The review highlights that the author has known the European Union trade mark system since the early days of the European trade mark framework and that his many years of experience in trade mark practice give the 6th edition substantial depth. The book follows the logic of a practitioner, first covering general principles and then explaining trade mark filing, opposition proceedings, and further appeal-related proceedings in a clear and accessible way.
At the same time, the review emphasizes the book’s strong practical orientation. It specifically notes the further expanded table of decisions, the online edition with regular updates, and the inclusion of decisions from EUIPO, the General Court, and the CJEU. Official notices and decisions of the Executive Director are also taken into account, for example regarding deadline extensions for parties to proceedings seated in Ukraine. In addition, the review points to a brief section on the Mediation Centre, reflecting the growing importance of consensual dispute resolution.
Practical relevance
For companies, brand managers, agencies, and advisers, literature on the EU trade mark is particularly valuable when it brings together procedure, case law, and administrative practice in an understandable way. This is precisely where the review places the book: as a helpful practical guide that offers solid orientation in EU trade mark law for both lawyers and students.
To the point
- The review was published in Mitteilungen der deutschen Patentanwälte, issue 10/2025.
- It discusses Achim Bender’s “Unionsmarke”, 6th edition 2025, published by Carl Heymanns Verlag.
- It highlights the clear structure, practical orientation, and extensive case law references.
- The book covers decisions from EUIPO, the General Court, and the CJEU, as well as relevant official notices.
- For practice, the clear presentation of filing, opposition, and further EU trade mark proceedings is particularly relevant.