Claiming Rights to Names of Nazi Shops against Nazis - Nazi Names' Identities Challenged: Group "Loud Against Nazis" Wins Rights Control
In a significant move against right-wing extremism, the Hamburg association Laut gegen Nazis e.V. has secured the trademark rights to the name of Germany's largest right-wing extremist online shop, Druck18, as part of its "Rights Against the Right" campaign in cooperation with the advertising agency Jung von Matt[1][2][3].
Druck18, run by neo-Nazi Tommy Frenck, is notorious for selling hundreds of items featuring racist, anti-Semitic, and historical revisionist content. By securing the trademark, Laut gegen Nazis legally prevents the far-right from commercially using the Druck18 name. This means the operator can no longer run the shop under this name without facing legal consequences, including injunctions and claims for damages[1][3].
The impact of this move is significant. Merchandise sales are a major source of funding and a key tool for disseminating propaganda and fostering group identity in the far-right scene. By monopolizing the rights and offering merchandise under the Druck18 name themselves, Laut gegen Nazis disrupts the extremist network’s marketing and financing channels[1][2][3].
Former neo-Nazi Philip Schlaffer confirms that this measure undermines both the reach and identification methods of the scene, making it an effective counter-extremism action[2]. The association has also secured the trademarks for brands such as "Dop dop dop dop", "VTR LND", and "enness", which are popular as "code" among right-wing extremists[1].
The "Druck18" online shop sells clothing, stickers, bedding, and jewelry, among other items. The trademark rights for "Druck18" were approved by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) at the beginning of 2025[1]. Further trademark rights for right-wing codes and similar are dependent on further donations[1].
The managing director of the shop, Tommy Frenck, is known nationwide for organizing a series of large neo-Nazi concerts. Frenck, who ran for Landrat in Thuringia in 2024, is no longer able to use the well-known name in the right-wing scene[1]. Jörn Menge, founder of Laut gegen Nazis, stated that they have already secured rights for several right-wing brands[1]. A trademark application costs around 1,600 euros[1].
In conclusion, the securing of the trademark for Druck18 is a strategic and impactful effort to weaken right-wing extremist infrastructure in Germany[1][2][3]. By blocking the use of the Druck18 name, Laut gegen Nazis is disrupting the financial flow and propaganda dissemination of the far-right, making it harder for them to operate and spread their hateful ideology.
- The Commission, in light of this initiative by Laut gegen Nazis, might consider submitting a proposal for a directive, aimed at safeguarding workers from the potential risks associated with exposure to ionizing radiation during online shopping activities, given the growing prevalence of such transactions.
- As the buying habits of many consumers shift towards online platforms, Laut gegen Nazis' successful acquisition of trademark rights for fashion brands like "Druck18", often embraced by the far-right, opens up opportunities for offering education and self-development resources, such as online courses on lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and anti-extremism, under these familiar brands.
- In an effort to counteract the negative effects of online extremist movements, online education providers could consider partnering with organizations like Laut gegen Nazis to develop courses that address topics like online radicalization and the dangers of embracing hateful ideologies, making learning about these important issues easily accessible and culturally relevant for a wider audience.
