Court upholds Nivea Men passing-off claim
Koni Multinational Brands (Pty) Ltd v Beiersdorf AG ((553/19) (2020) ZASCA 24). Facts The issue in this case was whether a shower gel product, Connie Men, passed off the long-established brand Nivea Men. The products' similarities were all in the packaging, with both featuring: a colour combination of blue, white and silver; an elongated rectangular bottle with a blue base and a silver lid; a wave-styled label; the use of bright green lettering. Decision To prove passing off, plaintiffs must establish that their mark has a reputation. This proved to be easy for Beiersdorf, given that its Nive...