Trade Mark Law, AI, Sustainability – Normative “Average Consumer” Concepts for the Dual Transition to AI-driven, Circular Commerce

The 2026 Sir Hugh Laddie Lecture

Professor Martin Senftleben explains how normative concepts of the “average consumer” in trade mark law can support sustainability goals and preserve consumer autonomy and freedom of competition in AI environments. According to Senftleben, it is indispensable to depart from heavy reliance on empirical consumer analysis and embrace a more normative concept that allows the balancing of competing public interests.