EUIPO strips Entain’s Sportingbet logo of gambling trademark cover

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has partially revoked trademark protection for Entain's Sportingbet logo, determining that the mark no longer qualifies for coverage across most gambling and gaming-related categories. This decision narrows the scope of intellectual property protection available to the operator and may complicate its ability to defend against unauthorized use of the brand in key markets.

Trademark disputes in the gaming sector often hinge on questions of distinctiveness, prior rights, and proper use. When a trademark holder fails to demonstrate genuine commercial use across all registered classes or faces successful challenges from competing claimants, regulatory bodies may narrow or cancel protection. For Entain, a major multinational operator, the partial invalidation represents a setback in its European intellectual property portfolio, though the company retains some residual protection outside the gambling categories.

This outcome underscores the importance of active trademark management and enforcement in the competitive gaming industry. Operators must continuously use and defend their marks to maintain full protection, particularly in jurisdictions with strict use requirements. The EUIPO's decision also reflects the broader regulatory environment in Europe, where gaming operators face heightened scrutiny across multiple dimensions—from licensing and consumer protection to intellectual property rights.