Freedom of expression is only "due cause" if targeted at the trade mark holder, says Advocate General in IKEA-PLAN opinion

"Free political debate is an essential element of any democratic society," said Advocate General Szpunar in the opening of his Opinion in Inter IKEA Systems v Algemeen Vlaams Belang (Case C‑298/23), delivered today. Since EU trade mark law contains no specific provisions on freedom of expression, the Opinion confirmed that "due cause" has a key role to play in balancing