Polish authorities are investigating the Nowrocky brand for potentially misusing a registered trademark symbol.
Police Investigation into Trademark Symbol
A report was filed after analysis of press publications indicating that the Nowrocky trademark had not yet been formally registered, despite products being marked with a symbol characteristic of registered trademarks. According to regulations, this may constitute an offense.
“R” Symbol and Trademark Rights
The key element of the case is the use of the “R” symbol, derived from the English word “registered,” which informs that the trademark is registered and enjoys full legal protection. The owner of such a mark has the exclusive right to its use and to derive benefits from it.
However, it has been established that the registration process for the Nowrocky trademark is still ongoing. In this situation, using the “R” symbol may mislead consumers into believing that protection is already in effect. The Prosecutor’s Office pointed to the possibility of committing an offense under Article 308 of the Industrial Property Law.
President Karol Nawrocki and the Brand
Controversies surrounding the brand intensified after President Karol Nawrocki’s appearances in Nowrocky clothing during a visit to Polish athletes participating in the Winter Olympics in Italy. Public attention was drawn to the cap and t-shirt with a prominent logo that the president wore during a meeting with the Polish delegation.
This was not an isolated case. Products of this brand were also visible at other public events and in photographs published on social media. The company offered for sale sweatshirts, t-shirts, caps, mugs, and other gadgets referencing the president’s name and image.
The brand name itself references both Karol Nawrocki’s surname and the character Rocky Balboa from the popular film series. According to media reports, the trademark was registered by Nina Nawrocka, the president’s sister.
President’s Statements
The president addressed the issue in a television interview, emphasizing that he has no financial ties to the brand.
He also stressed that he derives no financial benefits from wearing this brand’s clothing, and that the rights to the mark were registered by his sister to protect his image and prevent unauthorized use of the designation. The Presidential Chancellery also confirmed this stance. Its spokesman, Rafał Leśkiewicz, assured that the head of state has no marketing or financial relationship with the Nowrocky company.
Trademark Registration Process
The trademark application for Nowrocky was submitted in November of last year. The registration procedure with the Patent Office includes a publication stage and the possibility for other entities to file objections before a decision on granting protection is issued.
Until the formal completion of the procedure, the mark cannot be marked with the “R” symbol. The use of the “TM” designation is permissible, which informs about the filing of the mark but does not confirm its registration. Experts in industrial property law emphasize that the regulations in this area are intended to protect both entrepreneurs and consumers from unfair market practices.
Website Changes
In recent days, additional doubts were raised by the disappearance of the brand’s website and some promotional materials. The company informed on social media about technical problems related to website availability and indicated disruptions to its functioning.
Simultaneously, photographs showing the president in Nowrocky clothing were removed from the brand’s official channels. This change occurred after the case was publicized and interest from the prosecutor’s office and media began.