EU General Court to Hear Animal Farm Trademark Appeal

The estate of George Orwell's widow has appealed EUIPO refusals to register 'Animal Farm' and '1984' as EU trademarks for books and related goods. The Grand Board of Appeal previously held the titles descriptive and lacking distinctiveness.

The case now reaches the EU General Court, which will consider arguments on whether widespread cultural recognition of the works bars trademark protection. Earlier related appeals involving the author name 'George Orwell' are also pending.

The dispute centers on registrability of famous literary titles under EU trademark law for content-related classes.

Sources: https://www.mlex.com/mlex/articles/2513004/eu-court-to-test-if-cultural-fame-can-defeat-orwell-s-animal-farm-trademark https://ipkitten.blogspot.com/2026/06/famous-but-not-distinctive-animal-farm.html