IKEA trademark holder Inter IKEA Systems B.V. has sued Iexpress OÜ, a carrier of IKEA furniture into Estonia, as the latter is advertising itself by use of the name IKEA. Calling itself IkeaExpress, Iexpress uses domain name ikeaexpress.ee
IKEA sues Estonian firm over trademark
/nginx/o/2017/01/27/6287643t1hc88d.jpg)
19th November 2013, 13:53
Please note that the article is more than five years old and belongs to our archive. We do not update the content of the archives, so it may be necessary to consult newer sources.
«IkeaExpress allows you to order products from the world’s largest furniture store, without visiting it,» the company announces on its website. At the same time, the website stresses that it is in no way linked to the IKEA trademark, only providing independent transport services. «IKEA is a registered trademark belonging to Inter IKEA Systems B.V. IkeaExpress.ee is not IKEA’s official representative in Estonia,» it explicitly says.
As confirmed by Harju County Court, Inter IKEA Systems B.V. has sued both the company Iexpress OÜ and its founder Juhan Kuuskemaa, who, starting this July, is no longer a shareholder in the firm.
In the trademark dispute, IKEA is represented by Mikas Miniotas of AAA Patendibüroo. «As a representative, I have no powers to comment,» stated Mr Miniotas.
Postimees has been unable to contact Juhan Kuuskemaa, all the company phones are switched off. A certain Janek Veski, however, answers company e-mail. Mr Veski confirmed the dispute being over Iexpress using the name IKEA.
«Several people have sued the company. Hopefully it will all be solved if we are finally able to supply the ordered goods or return the money,» added Mr Veski. According to him, accounts of Iexpress are blocked due to the court dispute.
Several clients have had recourse to Consumer Protection Board and police, not having received the goods they have ordered nor a return of the money paid. Neither have they gained contact with representatives of the company.
«To the knowledge of Consumer Protection Board, sales have been suspended and the company has promised to pay back the money. Consumer Protection Board has blacklisted the company,» said Hanna Turetski, press secretary of the board.