The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has recently filed multiple trademark applications for image marks bearing a striking resemblance to the German Bundesadler (federal eagle), according to a report by news portal T-Online.
Several design proposals were submitted last week to both the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA). The designs feature a stylized blue eagle, incorporating the AfD’s official logo, alongside textual elements including “Patriotic Youth” “Young Patriots” “Germany Youth” and “Party Youth”. The party had previously registered these combinations as trademarks in December.
A media law firm based in Cologne, which also represents the AfD in other trademark-related matters, is listed as the rights holder for the new image marks in both trademark registries. The German Patent and Trademark Office confirmed to T-Online that the AfD’s federal association is the applicant for the trademarks. Party leadership has, according to the report, declined to comment on the filings.
German trademark law prohibits the use of national symbols. A recent report by the German Bundestag’s Scientific Services (August 2024) clarifies that this prohibition extends to trademarks that merely imitate such symbols. The application of this rule requires assessment on a case-by-case basis.
A spokesperson for the German Patent and Trademark Office stated that the applications will be thoroughly reviewed in accordance with trademark law regulations, specifically addressing whether the eagle depictions constitute imitations of the Bundesadler, the national coat of arms of Germany. This assessment process is expected to take some time.
A spokesperson for the AfD’s federal executive confirmed that the planned youth organization is scheduled to be formally established during a meeting in Gießen, Hesse, on November 29th and 30th.
