Pariprashnena — Q&A Archive

Actually it is liable to be declared invalid if the trade mark covers a "sign of high symbolic value, in particular a religious symbol".

89/104/EEC 3.2.b.

http://books.google.com/books?id=-No2Pw3UXwUC&pg=PA56

http://books.google.com/books?id=AAQ_R6y4y3kC&pg=PA369

Next trade mark they need to get is on stupidity. Then no one else can be stupid in Euorope without their permission. People of euorope will be relieved from being stupid.

Things can be copyrighted, Gods name can not be copyrighted, it is not a thing of the marketplace. Krishna is the name of God and anybody can chant the holy name, how can someone have the monoply over Gods name.

I know this letter doesnt refer to trademark, but I believe it falls into the same catergory:

"Another thing is although I have brought this Sankirtana Movement to the Western World we cannot make it copyrighted. The Sankirtana Movement is not my invention. So how can it be copyrighted? Besides that, as you will find in the album of my previous recording, the chanting of Hare Krishna is going on since time immemorial. So Hare Krishna cannot be copyrighted, although the tune in which I sing with my disciples, that may be made copyrighted. I have no objection to sign this agreement, but don'92t be misled that the chanting of Hare Krishna or Lord Caitanya'92s Movement can be made copyrighted."

Letter to Dinesh dasa - 10 June, 1969

> "Hare Krishna" is a trademark of ISKCON in Europe now.

Ref?

2009/II-100 Trademark update
After a process of two years or so, ISKCON Europe has secured the trademark Hare Krishna. This trademark is applicable for all 27 EU countries as well as future countries that join the EU. The trademark is legally held in the name of ISKCON UK Ltd.

http://www.eurogbc.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=139&Itemid=85