There is trouble between the providers
There is new cause for dispute between the competitors Telekom and Telefónica/o2. While people in Germany traditionally compete for customers in the mobile communications sector, this time it’s just about a letter. Nevertheless, hard bandages are being fought.
Telekom and Telefónica are bickering about the “T”: The exit is open
There is a lot going on between Deutsche Telekom and the Spanish mobile communications group Telefónica – known in this country for the o2 brand. The competition remains largely hidden from the eyes of the public. The two companies are at odds over their logos and who is supposed to have the privilege of the “T”.
Unsurprisingly, Telekom is of the opinion that the iconic letter should only stand for the Bonn mobile communications group: “At Deutsche Telekom, the ‘T’ is a globally known and valuable brand (60 billion US dollars), especially in the telecommunications sector. dollars) from Deutsche Telekom. We will take all legally necessary steps to defend the brand”, according to the company (source: Tel tariff).
Telefónica had given itself the new logo in 2021, but had previously used a “T”. The logo, which the Spaniards use internationally, can be seen, including on the company’s Spanish Twitter account, which recently celebrated its 98th anniversary:
As a rule, German customers only see the o2 brandpossibly also the stylized lettering “Telefónica”, which was used before the 2021 decision.
Agreement between Telefónica and Telekom not in sight
The disagreement between Telekom and Telefónica has already arrived at EU level. The European Trademark Office is currently dealing with the problem. While Telekom argues, among other things, with the risk of confusion, this is not the case with Telefónica. Otherwise Telekom would have to take action against Tesla, as Telefónica argues. Incidentally, the “T” from Tesla has a story all of its own.
Whether Telekom or Telefónica, you shouldn’t just let your mobile phone tariff keep going:
An agreement is unlikely to be forthcoming any time soon. Apple knows all too well that trademark disputes can last. The iPhone manufacturer has already fought several times for apple sovereignty. In the current case, the trademark office has just extended the hearing period for both sides. What could give Telekom a boost is that both brands active in the same market are.
