Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

[**Avis juridique important**](../../../editorial/legal_notice.htm)

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# 92001E0705

**WRITTEN QUESTION E-0705/01 by Erik Meijer (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Similarity of the euro logo with that of Thomas Cook and the claim for GBP 25 million.** 
  
*Official Journal 340 E , 04/12/2001 P. 0074 - 0075*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0705/01

by Erik Meijer (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(8 March 2001)

Subject: Similarity of the euro logo with that of Thomas Cook and the claim for GBP 25 million

1. Is the Commission aware of the article in the Dutch daily NRC Handelsblad of Saturday, 3 February 2001, entitled Euro gaat Brussel ponden kosten [Euro will cost Brussels pounds]?

2. Is the Commission aware of the problem referred to in the article of the similarity between the euro logo and the logo of the British company Thomas Cook which, the company maintains, has been registered since 1993?

3. Was any preliminary research carried out into other registered logos comparable with the euro logo? Did this include the Thomas Cook logo? If so, what was the outcome and what is the Commission's interpretation of the outcome?

4. What is the Commission's opinion of Cook's view, referred to in the article, that the considerable similarity between its own logo and the euro logo will devalue its own logo?

5. The board of Thomas Cook has let it be known that it has been endeavouring since 1998 to reach a solution to this problem with the Commission. Can the Commission confirm this?

6. What is the Commission's view of the statement by Thomas Cook's board that the Commission has never given a serious response to the problem raised by Thomas Cook? What was the reason for this?

7. Has the Commission been informed by Thomas Cook of a possible claim for damages of GBP 25 million (according to the article)?

8. Can the Commission confirm that Thomas Cook has set a deadline for a reply and that, in the absence of a reply, it will file its claim for damages at the end of February?

9. Does the Commission agree that given the legal process this could result in a long drawn out court procedures?

10. Does the Commission agree that this could effect the planned date of introduction of the euro?

11. If the problems assume such proportions that the planned introductory date of 1 January 2002 cannot be met, is the Commission prepared, in cooperation with the 12 Member States involved, to draw up an emergency plan for maintaining the existing currency on a provisional basis?

12. Is the Commission prepared to inform Parliament of the issue and of any follow-up?

13. Finally, what is the Commission's view of Cook's claim for damages totalling GBP 25 million?

14. Does the Commission agree that steps must be taken to prevent it being manoeuvred into a position where there is no solution but to hand over the damages requested - European citizens' tax - to prevent even bigger problems?

Answer given by Mr Solbes Mira on behalf of the Commission

(15 June 2001)

The Commission is aware of the actions launched by Thomas Cook on the euro logo.

The whole of the dossier being subject to an action with the Court of the First Instance of the Communities, no written or spoken declaration can be made by the Commission.

Nevertheless, the Commission considers that this action cannot affect the date of the introduction of the euro.

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