Trademark application rejected by Ministry of Economy — what is the appeal route?

Yes — and you should. File a formal appeal with the Trade Marks Committee within 60 days of the rejection notification. The appeal should include: (i) detailed similarity analysis showing the marks are distinguishable in sight, sound and commercial impression; (ii) market evidence that you operate in a different sub-segment (consumer surveys, retailer letters); (iii) a letter of consent from the cited mark owner if obtainable. Appeal decision in 6-12 months. If denied, judicial review at the Federal Court is available. Many class-25 rejections reverse on appeal.