The Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) ruled in favor of the Swedish company IKEA against the Belgian far-right party Vlaams Belang, which created the so-called "Ikea Plan" regarding the reform of Belgium's asylum and immigration policy. The party used the Swedish company's name and drawings similar to IKEA's furniture assembly instructions to illustrate its political proposals.
According to the CJEU, the use of the IKEA trademarks causes significant harm to the reputation and interests of the owning company. The press conference presenting the plan was broadcast on social networks.
The company filed a trademark infringement lawsuit in Belgian courts against the association Vrijheidsfonds, responsible for producing the party's materials. This association acknowledged having used the trademarks without authorization, but argued that the use was intended to reinforce its political message and constituted a "just cause" protected by freedom of expression.
The Belgian judge examining the case consulted the CJEU to determine what prevails in case of conflict between intellectual property rights and the right to freedom of expression. The final decision will rest with the Belgian court. Vrijheidsfonds is a non-profit association based in Belgium that serves as the financial, logistical, and legal arm of Vlaams Belang.
