Trademarks: Generic words do can be trademarked ...

[allroundguy]

Each country can decide over territorial trade and trade mark rules.
There do are internetional conventions, but local authorities sometimes find a way to create exceptions.

Example: "Alice"
Can "Alice" be trademarked?

Read on:
Mark Image
Word Mark ALICE
Goods and Services IC 015. US 002 021 036. G & S: Cases for musical instruments; Japanese plectrums (bachi); tuning apparatus for musical instruments; music instrument stands; turning apparatus for sheet music; string instruments; guitars; musical instruments, namely, lutes; guitar strings; strings for Western musical instruments
Mark Drawing Code (5) WORDS, LETTERS, AND/OR NUMBERS IN STYLIZED FORM
Serial Number 79059683
Filing Date July 15, 2008
Current Filing Basis 66A
Original Filing Basis 66A
International Registration Number 0979270
Owner (APPLICANT) GUANGZHOU ROMANCE MUSICAL; INSTRUMENTS CO., LTD CORPORATION CHINA No. 8 Lianhe, Mawu Village Shijing Town,; Baiyun District,; Guangzhou; 510425 Guangdong CHINA
Description of Mark Color is not claimed as a feature of the mark.
Type of Mark TRADEMARK
Register PRINCIPAL
Live/Dead Indicator

What is not trademarked today, might me tomorrow.