Eurovision mascot 'Auri' sparks trademark row with Austrian energy brand
A few days ago, ORF unveiled its mascot for the upcoming Song Contest in Vienna: an indefinable plush creature named "Auri." No matter—fans will buy anything, and taste is subjective. One newspaper even enthused in a headline: "Mascot Auri Causes a Stir."
We suspect Raiffeisenlandesbank Niederösterreich-Wien might have taken particular notice. After all, it is the sole owner of Raiffeisen Energy Ventures GmbH, which sells green electricity under the protected brand name "Auri."
Oops—could this be a case of trademark infringement? The Song Contest and green energy may be entirely different worlds, but we're talking about two highly recognizable companies operating nationwide.
If that were the case, Raiffeisen could unleash the full force of trademark law: cease-and-desist letters, demands for injunctions, damages claims, and even calls for the destruction of infringing products.
But let's not make a mountain out of a molehill. The story isn't exactly earth-shattering, and by summer, most of those ORF Auris will likely be gathering dust—or mold—in some forgotten corner. Some Auri owners might even associate the Raiffeisen green energy brand with fond memories of the show. We won't accuse ORF of deliberate product placement, though.
Over at RLB, they're taking it in stride: while the Auri trademark is indeed protected, that only applies to sectors related to energy supply. So, no action is needed. Still, there was reportedly some bemusement that ORF—a broadcaster where research should be part of daily business—apparently didn't bother with even a basic trademark check. Strange, indeed.
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