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BGH Bars 'Erzgebirgs‑Stil' Label for Non‑Local Nutcrackers

The ruling establishes a 100% origin requirement for products invoking the Erzgebirge name.

Overview

  • The Federal Court of Justice sided with the regional artisans' association in its case against teleshopping channel Pearl‑TV.
  • Judges confirmed that references to Erzgebirge on wooden figures may only be used for items entirely made in the region.
  • Pearl‑TV is barred from marketing goods as "Erzgebirgs‑Stil" and must bear the costs of the proceedings.
  • The dispute began with a Leipzig court ban and moved through the Dresden appeals court before reaching the BGH.
  • The decision targets the unfair exploitation of the Erzgebirge craft reputation and signals stricter scrutiny of style‑based labeling.