3000 euros warning because of a bag: The “Frida” trap! | Regional

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Pfaffenhofen – Nina Grabmeir (33) only sold one handbag – but it cost her dearly.

The Pfaffenhof native has been selling traditional shoes and bags online (Hadscha.de) since 2020 – they have names like Martha, Melli or Anni. Or Frida.

Grabmeir: “On February 18, I sold the first Frida bag – for 250 euros.” Then the trouble started.

The Mexican painter Frida Kahlo

Foto: picture-alliance / dpa

At the beginning of March, Grabmeir received a warning from the “Frida Kahlo Corporation” from Panama. The company has had the name of the famous painter († 1954) protected.

Grabmeir did not respond to the e-mail – an application for a temporary injunction came in early April. “On May 5, the bailiff was at the door.” With a decision by the Stuttgart Regional Court.

The bag was produced fairly - like other models and shoes

The bag was produced fairly – like other models and shoes

Photo: Private

Should Grabmeir use the name “Frida” again, she faces a fine of up to 250,000 euros – or up to six months in prison.

It not only cost Nina Grabmeir nerves – but also a lot of money: “3000 euros – plus legal fees.” She took the bag off the side.

The Frida trap hits many small business owners

Not an isolated case! Specialist lawyer Tim Berger knows the scam. Berger: “We’ve already had around 15 such cases with the Frida brand – one client was even a HartzIV recipient.”

He makes it clear: the warnings are not illegal. Berger: “The brands exist.”

His advice: “Don’t ignore the warnings – otherwise there will be court orders with court costs and further letters with legal fees that will run into the thousands. Have the warning checked by a lawyer. If necessary, submit a modified cease-and-desist declaration in good time.”

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