Pfaffenhofen – Nina Grabmeir (33) only sold one handbag – but it cost her dearly.
Since 2020, the woman from Pfaffenhofen has been selling traditional shoes and bags online (Hadscha.de) – 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
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
Should Grabmeir use the name “Frida” once more, 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.”
