Inditex’s Zacaffé initiative hits a snag as Italian brand Zicaffè opposes its EU trademark registration, claiming risk of confusion and brand misuse.
Zara’s new café concept, Zacaffé, faces its first obstacle. Launched in November in Madrid, the café is part of Zara’s male-focused store. However, Italian coffee brand Zicaffè has opposed Zara’s trademark registration, claiming it could confuse consumers. Zicaffè, founded in 2010, lodged a formal objection with the EUIPO in December, citing potential brand infringement.
Zara applied for the Zacaffé trademark in October 2023. It covered coffee, food services, and even kitchenware. Zicaffè’s objection falls within the EUIPO’s 3-month opposition window. If unresolved, the case may escalate to the European Court of Justice. The decision could set a precedent for similar disputes in the EU.
Trademark disputes aren’t new for Zara. The company is also negotiating with Atari over another contested brand registration. That case has been extended until 2026. These legal hurdles show Zara’s challenges as it diversifies beyond fashion into new markets like hospitality and branding.
Despite legal challenges, Zara’s parent company, Inditex, reported robust growth. In H1 2023, it earned $19.1B, up 7.2% from 2022. Zara operates 1,811 stores globally. Led by Marta Ortega, Inditex is pushing boundaries, though these disputes highlight the complexities of expansion.
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