Hahnenkamm logo is subject of trademark dispute in Austria

By Published On: July 9th, 2005Comments Off on Hahnenkamm logo is subject of trademark dispute in Austria

Hahnenkamm logo is subject of trademark dispute in AustriaRelatives of the designer who created the logo of Austria’s most famous ski race are threatening to prohibit its use unless organizers in the western city of Kitzbuehel pay trademark compensation.

The stylized chamois – a small goat antelope native to alpine regions – has graced the winner’s trophy of the Hahnenkamm race for decades, as well as victory podiums, city stationery, and event souvenirs.

The grandchildren of designer Alfons Walde want compensation for the emblem that has become a commercial icon and trademark for the race.

Walde designed the logo for the Kitzbuehel Ski Club in 1930 – adapting the chamois in the city’s coat of arms – and there was no record he was paid. He died in 1958.

The heirs to Walde’s estate sued for compensation and won a judgment before the Austrian Supreme Court in May. The family allowed local authorities to continue using the emblem until a compensation package could be arranged.

But city and ski authorities have balked at the 70,000-euro ($103,700 Cdn) price tag the family requested, the Tiroler Tageszeitung newspaper reported.

“The chamois is protected by trademark law until 2028, precisely 70 years after Alfons Walde’s death,” heir Michael Berger-Walde said. “It is our main aim to avoid any kind of abuse of my grandfather’s design.”

-The Associated Press

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About the Author: Pete Rugh