A Danish furniture business has been compelled to change its name following a trademark dispute with a Portuguese manufacturer. The North Jutland-based company, initially established in 2022 under the name Intarsia Furniture, faced legal opposition from Portugal's Intarsi due to the similarity of their names.
In response, the company has adopted a new name, Aakjaer Furniture, paying homage to its founding family's legacy. Entrepreneur Nanna Aakjær Svendsen, who leads the business, said the change became "an opportunity to pay tribute to our family history and my grandfather."
Aakjaer Furniture is built on the mid-century designs of Jørgen Aakjær Jørgensen, who originally ran a company named Møbelintarsia from 1948. After the original firm closed with no successor, the brand was revived decades later by his granddaughter.
Following its relaunch, the company appeared on the Danish TV show Løvens Hule in 2023, securing investment from Louise Herping Ellegaard and Tahir Siddique. Backed by these investors and Your Brand Partner, Aakjaer Furniture has expanded internationally, with retailers in Hong Kong, the UK, and the US.
Despite its growing reach and 30 Danish dealers, the business has yet to turn a profit. Financial reports show combined losses of DKK 480,789 across the 2022/23 and 2024 financial years.
The company continues to produce furniture in Denmark and Europe, preserving the craftsmanship and intarsia techniques introduced by its founder.
Source: www.wood-supply.dk