certification mark

Ban on self-certified sustainability labels – GREENWASHING II

Ban on self-certified sustainability labels – GREENWASHING II

From 27 September 2026, the EmpCo Directive will impose an absolute ban on ‘self-certified’ sustainability labels and logos in the European Union. This is because this kind of labelling risks a lack of transparency and reliability, as well as making it more difficult for consumers to compare products and services based on sustainability – to which they are increasingly attaching importance when making purchasing decisions. In almost half of the active eco-labels in the EU analysed by the European Commission, no, or insufficient, verification of the products or services had been carried out. Self-certified sustainability labels are also a threat to fair competition. So what is the scope of the ban on them and what will the consequences be?

Please read on

Deception from GM label? – Without genetic engineering

Deception from GM label? – Without genetic engineering

Consumers should be able to tell immediately whether the food they are eating is genetically modified. The German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture has therefore developed a dedicated GMO-free label, intended to identify the products bearing it as GMO-free. In the meantime, every fifth litre of milk from Bavaria is labelled as being ‘without genetic engineering’. But is the seal, as a trademark, protectable or not? Could it potentially deceive the consumer?

Please read on

Semblance of a certification mark – EM QUALITY CERTIFIED

Semblance of a certification mark – EM QUALITY CERTIFIED

Certification marks, a concept introduced in the European Union on 1 October 2017, are intended in and of themselves, as a way to indicate the quality guarantee of a product. Attempting to do this – communicate the quality guarantee for a product – by using an individual trade mark instead, is a risky undertaking.

Please read on

Trademark protection for special quality? – Quality mark

Trademark protection for special quality? – Quality mark

You want to draw attention to the sustainability or exceptional quality of your products or services by means of a quality mark that may only be used with your consent? Be careful if you hope to achieve this via a trade mark.

Please read on

Brand protection for a test seal – ÖKO-TEST

Brand protection for a test seal – ÖKO-TEST

The ÖKO-TEST seal [ECO-TEST] is protected as an individual trade mark. One manufacturer used the seal without such a licence. The protection of individual trade marks has its limitations when it comes to test seals.

Please read on