The claim would lead to Oktoberfest events across the world facing legal action if they do not have a license from Munich for the event.

Even travel agents using the Oktoberfest name would have to pay up.

Wolfgang Nickl, spokesperson for Munich’s economics department, said: “The aim of the brand registration is to protect the name of the Munich Oktoberfest as a unique, original Munich event.”

Munich’s local government believes the licensing of the event could bring in much-needed additional revenue.

And despite promising that there would be no immediate wave of lawsuits if the application succeeds, legal experts are less sure.

Karsten Prehm, a Kiel trademark lawyer, warned: “The Munich legal practice registering the trademark is a feared opponent in this field.”