Activists in Berlin are registering trademarks for neo-Nazi symbols and slogans to prevent far-right groups from selling merchandise.

This legal strategy targets the financial infrastructure of extremist movements. By securing intellectual property rights over hate-related imagery, the campaign aims to disrupt the ability of these groups to generate revenue through the sale of branded apparel and accessories.

The effort is led by the Rights Against the Right campaign, which was founded by activist Simon Knittel [1]. The group began its operations in 2021 [1]. The campaign operates on the premise that the most effective way to combat hate is to hit extremist groups in their wallets by hijacking their branding.

Under trademark law, the owner of a registered mark can legally challenge the sale of unauthorized products using that mark. By securing these trademarks, the campaign can block the distribution of far-right merchandise across various commercial platforms. This creates a legal barrier that prevents neo-Nazi organizations from profiting from their own iconography.

These trademark-securing actions have remained ongoing as of June 2026 [1]. The strategy transforms the legal system into a tool for financial attrition, limiting the funds available for extremist organizing and recruitment.

While the campaign focuses on the commercial aspect of hate speech, the legal process of trademarking symbols requires navigating intellectual property regulations in Germany. The goal is to ensure that symbols of hate cannot be used as commercial assets for those who promote them.

“Activists are registering trademarks for neo-Nazi symbols and slogans to prevent far-right groups from selling merchandise.”

This approach represents a shift from traditional counter-protest or legislative bans toward a commercial warfare strategy. By utilizing intellectual property law, activists are attempting to create a 'financial blockade' around extremist movements. If successful, this model could be replicated globally to target the funding mechanisms of other hate groups by treating their symbols as commercial assets subject to ownership and restriction.