NOX wins legal battle with Munich over “X” symbol

The Spanish padel brand NOX has just won a major legal victory against Munich, a well-known Catalan company in the world of sports footwear. The cause: the use of the symbol "X", which Munich claimed as a distinctive feature of its brand. But the Spanish Supreme Court decided otherwise.

A long-term legal battle

The conflict dates back to 2017When Berneda SA, the company that owns the Munich brand, has filed a lawsuit against JJ. Ballvé Sports, the parent company of NOX. Munich accused the company of using signs that were "identical or similar" to its own, particularly on rackets, bags or accessories related to padel.

In first instance, the Commercial Court No. 2 of Barcelona had acknowledged a partial infringement: in cases where the NOX trademark was not clearly mentioned, the use of a cross could indeed cause confusion. But this decision was subsequently overturned by the Provincial Court of Barcelona, which ruled that NOX did not infringe Munich's rights.

Supreme Court confirms: Munich cannot claim exclusivity over “X”

In final decision rendered on May 28, 2025, Supreme Court Spanish court rejected Munich's appeal, confirming that the notorious nature of a symbol in a specific sector is not sufficient to prohibit its use in another. The famous "X" from Munich, associated with its sports shoes, cannot be monopolised in sectors such as padel.

The magistrates considered that The average consumer is not likely to make a connection between NOX products and those of Munich, and that the use of similar signs does not constitute abusive exploitation or unfair competition.

Respected European jurisprudence

Munich had cited precedents from the General Court of the European Union, who recognize the notoriety of its brand. But the The Spanish Supreme Court restricted this recognition to the footwear sector only., excluding padel rackets or accessories. She insists that there is no no natural association between the two brands in the public mind.

This decision is part of a trend in case law which limits the scope of the rights of graphic trademarks, even very identifiable ones, when no obvious parasitism is demonstrated.

The opinion of Padel Magazine

For Padel Magazine, this decision seems logical and based on the reality on the ground. In French-speaking countries in particular, Munich remains a brand little identified in the world of padel, in contrast to NOX, immediately recognizable by its famous “X”.

This letter is an integral part of NOX's visual identity, and directly evokes its palas, its graphic style and its commitment to professional padel. The padel public is not fooled: it knows the difference between the two brand universes.

A strategic decision for NOX

This legal victory allows NOX to continue its development calmly and protect your territory in padel, a booming market. It also confirms that padel brands can assert their uniqueness without being held back by abusive demands of actors from other sectors.

This article was made possible thanks to information published by the Spanish economic media Palco23, and the journalist Carlota Palma.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.