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'Put Putin In' is not an acceptable trademark

Written by author Arnaud Bos | September 22, 2023 8:00:00 AM Z

We may never know whether 'Put Putin In' was intended just as a trademark for clothing or as a political statement, as the European Trademark Office has rejected an application to register it as a European trademark.

This trademark is contrary to general moral principles because it could be perceived as offensive or provocative. "Put Putin In" is considered inappropriate as it suggests that Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, should be imprisoned.

What’s more, this trademark is an attempt to exploit a tragic event (the Russian invasion of Ukraine) for commercial purposes, something which is also considered immoral.

It is not unusual for trademarks referring to major events with political overtones to be refused. The European Trademark Office also refused to register a trademark bearing the name MH17.