Case law and current developments

New decisions and changes in the law can alter the assessment of a trade mark. This section puts developments into context for practice in Liechtenstein and shows which statements are reliable, which questions remain open and what consequences arise for trade mark proprietors.

Putting decisions into context in a traceable way

A case commentary starts with the legal question and the facts relevant to the decision. The key reasoning is then explained and kept separate from the editorial assessment. The court or authority, the date of the decision, the case number and the reference make it possible to check the original. The status of the proceedings is part of the assessment.

Liechtenstein law is the starting point. Decisions from Switzerland, Austria or the European Union are identified by their legal system. Their significance for Liechtenstein is explained on the basis of the provision concerned, its background and the specific problem. Comparable terms alone do not mean that a result can be transferred automatically.

Following legislation and practice

In addition to judgments, this section covers amendments to the MSchG and the MSchV as well as relevant developments in the application and registration procedure. For time-related articles, publication, entry into force and any transitional issues are distinguished. The basics on this website refer to the consolidated legislation in the version of 1 July 2026.1

Finding articles by topic

The articles are assigned to the subject-matter sections. This makes it possible to read current developments on registrability, use or conflicts together with the relevant basics. References to in-depth pages make it easier to place an individual decision in the wider legal context.

Conclusion

The practical value of a decision lies in a well-founded assessment of it. Sources, the time context and a specific link to Liechtenstein form the basis for this.

Sources

  1. Art. 1(2) and (3) of the Law of 12 December 1996 on the Protection of Trade Marks and Indications of Source (Trade Mark Protection Act; MSchG), LGBl. 1997 No. 60, LR 232.11, version of 1 July 2026.

  2. Ordinance of 1 April 1997 on the Protection of Trade Marks and Indications of Source (MSchV), LGBl. 1997 No. 77, LR 232.111, version of 1 July 2026.

Last updated: 13 September 2026

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