VanEck Loses EU Trademark Appeal Over MarketVector Indexes Brand

VanEck has lost its appeal to register the MarketVector Indexes brand as a European Union trademark after the General Court of the European Union dismissed its case on September 30, according to Ignites Europe. The dispute dates back to 2022, when VanEck applied to register the name, prompting opposition from Luxembourg-based Vector, which already held a trademark for "Vector Fund." The European Union Intellectual Property Office upheld the objection in August 2024, and VanEck's subsequent challenges were unsuccessful. The court found a high likelihood of confusion between the two brands, citing their shared use of the distinctive word "Vector" and similarities in appearance and pronunciation. The ruling represents a setback for VanEck's efforts to secure EU trademark protection for its index business under the MarketVector name.