Nintendo Loses Trademark Battle to Costa Rican Supermarket Over Super Mario Name

Nintendo faces an unexpected legal setback in Costa Rica, losing a trademark dispute against a small supermarket, "Súper Mario." The supermarket successfully defended its use of the name, arguing it was a legitimate combination of its business type and the manager's first name, Mario.

The legal battle began in 2024 when Nintendo challenged the supermarket's trademark renewal, claiming infringement on their globally recognized Super Mario brand. The supermarket's legal team, however, successfully countered this claim, proving the name's use wasn't intended to capitalize on Nintendo's intellectual property.

The supermarket's owner's son, Charito, expressed relief and gratitude to his legal advisor, Jose Edgardo Jimenez Blanco, for navigating the complex legal challenge. The victory underscores the inherent difficulties in trademark protection, particularly for multinational corporations facing smaller businesses with justifiable claims.

While Nintendo holds exclusive rights to the Super Mario trademark in many countries across various product categories, this case highlights the unpredictable nature of trademark disputes and the potential for even established brands to encounter significant legal hurdles. The outcome serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the complexities of protecting intellectual property in diverse legal landscapes.