Ever since 2015, Italy has committed to have the European trademark of Spanish restaurants “La mafia se sienta a la mesa” (“The Mafia sits at the table”) cancelled. The Trial and Appeal Boards at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) have recognised Italy’s good reasons, acknowledging that “the use of the term Mafia manipulates the extremely positive image of Italian cuisine” and cancelling the registration of such a repulsive name associated to dozens of restaurants spread in major Spanish cities. In addition, the EUIPO believes that the saying “sits at the table” could represent an attempt to attribute a benign connotation to the name of one of the most dangerous criminal organisations that has ever existed in Italy.
We confide in a further victory at the EU Court in Luxemburg, which would confirm the soundness of the dissuasive action promoted by the Italian Government.
Against the appeal lodged by the ‘La Mafia se sienta a la mesa’ restaurants Italy, together with the European Union Intellectual Property Office, is ready to defend its good name and combat any attempt to combine the Mafia phenomenon to Italian cuisine, fashion or lifestyle.
