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Decisions of the Quarter
Christoph Bartos – Member of the Boards of Appeal
17 March 2015
The Menu (I)
PROCEDURAL QUESTIONS
• Multitasking – left side and right side work independent
R1202/2014-1 COP
• My address is a secret
R2075/2014-4 Sole
• What happens if I apply for everything or too much …
R1534/2014-5 M
• The postman always rings twice
R2808/2014-5 Fortune/Fortune-Hotels
17 March 2015
Webinar - Decisions of the Quarter
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The Menu (II)
ABSOLUTE GROUNDS FOR REFUSAL
• My trade mark is too simple …
R1147/2014-2 SIMPLY MANGO
R1277/2014-2 ShampooExpert
R2288/2014-4 REALLY USEFUL BOX
• … or not
R2015/2013-1 SCIENCE FOR BRANDS
• Geography, never heard about that
R0574/2013-G SUEDTIROL
R0028/2014-5 NEUSCHWANSTEIN
R1426/2014-5 TERRA DALMATIA
17 March 2015
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The Menu (III)
RELATIVE GROUNDS FOR REFUSAL
• I am soooo strong …
R0542/2014-2 HORSE FRIENDS/HORSE
R0614/2013-4 INTERNATIONAL GOURMET/GOURMET
R0541/2014-5 CHATEAU NEOS/NEO
R0392/2013-4 GOLDEN EAGLE/CUP OF COFFEE
REVOCATION
• To be or not to be, that’s the question
R2257/2013-1 AVARDO
R2353/2013-2 DEVICE OF A DOG
R2041/2013-4 MYPHOTOBOOK
R1506/2014-4 SHAPE
• Am I A Color?
R0483/2014-1 GRANDE LAMB
17 March 2015
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AS ALWAYS …
… Another figure
365
PROCEDURAL QUESTIONS
R1202/2014-1
COP
Facts
• 12/12/2013: CTMA filed
• 18/12/2013: Objection concerning Art. 7(1)(b) & (c)
• 09/01/2014: 1st Objection concerning list of g&s
• 11/02/2014: 2nd Objection concerning list of g&s
• 07/03/2014: reclassification rejected by party
• 07/04/2014: CTMA rejected pursuant Art. 7(1)(b) & (c)
17 March 2015
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R1202/2014-1
COP
Boards of Appeal
• Assessment Art. 7(1)(b) & (c) must be based on
valid list of g&s
• Decision without valid list of g&s is substantial
procedural violation
Result
• Contested decision annulled
• CTMA remitted for further proceedings
• Appeal fee reimbursed
17 March 2015
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R2075/2014-4
Sole
Facts
• Representative of appellant files an appeal
– Official form is NOT used
– No indication concerning the address of the appellant
• Appellant is informed that address is an important
indication and consequences if lacking
– Rule 48s CTMIR
• Appellant refuses to remedy the deficiency
– Office has the address
– Norm lacks any logic
17 March 2015
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R2075/2014-4
Sole
Board of Appeal
• Board must apply CTMIR
• CTMIR indicates the consequences if address is
lacking
Result
• Appeal inadmissible
17 March 2015
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R1534/2014-5
M (Fig. Mark)
CTM applied for
•
• Cl. 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 27,
28, 35
– Class Heading and alphabetical list ( approx. 45 pages)
Examiner
• Global rejection without addressing the list of g&s
17 March 2015
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R1534/2014-5
M (Fig. Mark)
Board of Appeal
• Art. 7(1)(b) & (c) must be based on list of g&s
• Global assessment only possible if homogeneous
• Examiner must proof existence of absolute grounds
Result
• Contested decision annulled
• CTMA remitted for further proceedings
• Appeal fee reimbursed
17 March 2015
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R2808/2014-5
Fortune/Fortune-Hotels
Facts
• 19/12/2013: OD rejects CTMA for some g&s
– Notified by registered mail
• 22/09/2014: OD rejects CTMA in parallel
proceedings for other g&s
Applicant
• 08/10/2014: Notice of Appeal against decision of
19/12/2013 & Restitutio in Integrum
– Decision of 19/12/2013 never received
17 March 2015
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R2808/2014-5
Fortune/Fortune-Hotels
Board of Appeal
• Signature on acknowledgement of receipt differs
from representatives signature and signature in
parallel proceedings
• Contested decision never received
Result
• Restitutio in Integrum granted
• Appeal admissible
17 March 2015
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ABSOLUTE GROUNDS FOR REFUSAL
Any idea?
365
R1147/2014-2
SIMPLY MANGO
CTM applied for
• SIMPLY MANGO
• Cl. 34
– Tabacco, cigars, cigaretts, herbs for smoking
17 March 2015
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R1147/2014-2
SIMPLY MANGO
Board of Appeal
• Wide variety of different fruit flavors
• Not more than mere sum of elements
Result
• Contested decision confirmed
• CTM applied for rejected
17 March 2015
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R1277/2014-2
SHAMPOO EXPERT
CTM applied for
•
• Cl. 3, 44
– Shampoo and other products used in connection with hair;
Coiffeur, services of beauty salon
17 March 2015
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R1277/2014-2
SHAMPOO EXPERT
Board of Appeal
• Word element is descriptive
• Figurative elements
– Standard script
– Colors commonly used
– Structure commonly used
Result
• Contested decision confirmed
• CTM applied for rejected
17 March 2015
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R2288/2014-4
REALLY USEFUL BOX
CTM applied for
•
• Cl. 6, 16, 20
– Containers of different material
17 March 2015
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R2288/2014-4
REALLY USEFUL BOX
CTM applied for
• No ‘3D trade mark with word elements’ exist
• Typical storage box
– Whether differs or not irrelevant
• Word elements are invisible
Result
• Contested decision confirmed
• CTM applied for rejected
17 March 2015
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R2015/2013-1
SCIENCE FOR BRANDS
CTM applied for
•
• Cl.35
– Marketing
17 March 2015
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R2015/2013-1
SCIENCE FOR BRANDS
Board of Appeal
• Word element is descriptive
•
is distinctive
• Combination is not descriptive and distinctive
Result
• Contested decision annulled
• CTM applied for may proceed to publication
17 March 2015
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R0574/2013-G
SUEDTIROL
Registered CTM
• SUEDTIROL
• Cl. 35, 39, 42
Cancellation Division
• CTM is not descriptive
• CTM may remain in register
17 March 2015
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R0574/2013-G
SUEDTIROL
Board of Appeal
• SUEDTIROL = Südtirol
– South Tyrol; Alto Adige
• The bigger an area the more likely to be known
• Knowledge of the area not sufficient
– Link between g&s and the sign needed
• All services may be rendered in the area
Result
• Contested decision annulled
• CTM declared invalid
17 March 2015
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R0028/2014-5
NEUSCHWANSTEIN
Registered CTM
• NEUSCHWANSTEIN
• Cl. 3, 8, 14, 15, 16, 18, 21, 25, 28, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35,
36, 38, 44
– Partly typical merchandising articles
– Advertising; insurance and financial services; real estate
services; telecommunication; health and beauty services
Cancellation Division
• Request for declaration of invalidity rejected
17 March 2015
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R0028/2014-5
NEUSCHWANSTEIN
Board of Appeal
• ‘Neuschwanstein’ not a geographical place
• Neuschwanstein not known for origin of g&s
• No link between the g&s and any geographical place
– Normally not marketed with reference to origin
• Any vague association not sufficient
Result
• Contested decision confirmed
• CTM remains in register
17 March 2015
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R1426/2014-5
TERRA DALMATIA
CTM applied for
• TERRA DALMATIA
• Cl. 29, 30, 31, 33, 44
• Disclaimer on ‘Terra’ and ‘Dalmatia’
17 March 2015
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R1426/2014-5
TERRA DALMATIA
Board of Appeal
• Clear meaning in EN and IT
• Reference to the Dalmatian coast
• Dalmatian coast lives from tourism, agriculture and
viniculture
• Link between all g&s and the geographic indication
Result
• Contested decision confirmed
• CTM applied for rejected
17 March 2015
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RELATIVE GROUNDS FOR REFUSAL
Still wondering?
365
R0542/2014-2
Horse FRIENDS/HORSE
CTM applied for
Earlier TM (UK, PT, CTM)
•
•
• Cl. 18, 25, 35
• Cl. 18, 25, 35
Opposition Division
• Horse is distinctive for all goods and services
– Horse lacks any meaning in PT
• Likelihood of confusion exists
17 March 2015
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R0542/2014-2
Horse FRIENDS/HORSE
Board of Appeal
• Analysis of elements
– ‘Friends’: distinctive
– ‘Horse’ and image: distinctive, unless goods relate to
horses
– terms are understood, in PT and entire EU
• Comparison of signs
– Visual: dissimilar
– Aural: similar
– Conceptual: distinct concepts
17 March 2015
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R0542/2014-2
Horse FRIENDS/HORSE
Board of Appeal
• Global assessment
– Coincidences in ‘Horse’
– Horse running in different directions, different numbers
– No protection for all depictions of horses
Result
• Contested decision annulled
• CTM applied for may proceed to registration
17 March 2015
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R0614/2013-4
INTERNATIONAL GOURMET/GOURMET
CTM applied for
Earlier TMs (UK, PT, CTM)
•
•
• Cl. 29, 30, 32
• Cl. i.a. 29, 30, 32
Opposition Division
• Likelihood of confusion does not exist
17 March 2015
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R0614/2013-4
INTERNATIONAL GOURMET/GOURMET
Board of Appeal
• ‘Gourmet’ descriptive in ES
• Comparison of signs
– Visual: remote degree of similarity
– Aural: low degree of similarity
– Conceptual: similar
• Low level of distinctive character per se of earlier tm
Result
• Contested decision confirmed
• CTM applied for may proceed to registration
17 March 2015
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R0541/2014-5
CHATEAU NEOS/NEO
CTM applied for
Earlier TM (CTM)
• CHATEAU NEOS
•
• Cl. 33, 35, 39
• Cl. 32, 33, 39
Opposition Division
• Likelihood of confusion does not exist
17 March 2015
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R0541/2014-5
CHATEAU NEOS/NEO
Board of Appeal
• ‘Neo’ non-distinctive in entire EU
• ‘neo’ has no independent role in ‘CHATEAU NEOS’
• Existence of same letters is irrelevant
Result
• Contested decision confirmed
• CTM applied for may proceed to registration
17 March 2015
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R0392/2013-4
GOLDEN EAGLE/CUP OF COFFEE
CTM applied for
Earlier TMs (CTM et al.)
•
•
• Cl. 30
• Cl. 30 et al.
– Coffee and coffee beverages
17 March 2015
– Coffee and coffee releted
goods
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R0392/2013-4
GOLDEN EAGLE/CUP OF COFFEE
Facts:
• 1st OD Decision:
no likelihood of confusion
– Signs are dissimilar to a high degree
• 1st BoA Decision:
no likelihood of confusion
– Signs are dissimilar
• GC (T-5/08-7/08):
No ruling on likelihood of confusion
– signs are slightly similar
• 2nd BoA Decision:
remitted to OD for new assessment
– Proof of use must be assessed
– Reputation must be assessed
• 2nd OD Decision:
17 March 2015
no likelihood of confusion
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R0392/2013-4
GOLDEN EAGLE/CUP OF COFFEE
Board of Appeal:
• Bound by analysis of the GC
– signs are slightly similar
– elements not very distinctive
• No enhanced distinctive character through use
– Use always together with other elements
Result
• Contested decision confirmed
• CTM applied for may proceed to registration
17 March 2015
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REVOCATION
17 March
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2015
- Decisions of the
Quarter
44
No clue at all?
365
R2257/2013-1
AVARDO
Registered CTM
• AVARDO
• Cl. 9, 35, 42
Cancellation Division
• no use within relevant 5 years period
• CTM revoked
17 March 2015
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R2257/2013-1
AVARDO
Board of Appeal
• Extend:
– Evidence for yearly sale of specific software (controlling) between EUR
4000 to EUR 29000
– General market of software irrelevant
• Nature:
– Not only controlling software in Cl. 9 but also design and development
in Cl. 42
– No evidence for Cl. 35
Result
• CTM partly used (Cl. 9 and 42) and partly no use (Cl. 9 and 35)
• CTM may remain partly in register, partly revoked
17 March 2015
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R2353/2013-2
DEVICE OF A DOG
Registered CTM
•
• Cl. 3, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28
Cancellation Division
• use within relevant 5 years period
• CTM remains in the register
17 March 2015
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R2353/2013-2
DEVICE OF A DOG
Board of Appeal
• Use in a form which differs
–
• Image of the dog always independent from text
Result
• Contested decision confirmed
• CTM remains in the register
17 March 2015
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R1506/2014-4
SHAPE
Registered CTM
•
• Cl. 9, 24, 25, 42
Cancellation Division
• use within relevant 5 years period for these goods
• CTM remains in the register
17 March 2015
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R1506/2014-4
SHAPE
Board of Appeal
• Use in a form which differs
–
• Figurative elements are seen as an ‘ensemble’
– ‘bone’ and circle not considered as two independent sings
Result
• Contested decision annulled
• CTM removed from register
17 March 2015
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R2041/2013-4
MY PHOTOBOOK
Registered CTM
•
• Cl. 9, 16, 21, 24, 28, 35, 40, 41, 42
Cancellation Division
• CTM partly revoked
17 March 2015
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R2041/2013-4
MY PHOTOBOOK
Board of Appeal
• Use must be as registered
–
–
–
–
Color may alter the distinctive character
‘my photobook’ is very weak
Color adds to the distinctive character
Red and green are different
Result
• Contested decision confirmed
• CTM partly revoked
17 March 2015
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R0483/2014-1
GRANDE LAMB
CTM applied for
•
• Colour claim
– Black, white
• Colour claim published
– Black, white, grey
17 March 2015
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R0483/2014-1
GRANDE LAMB
Board of Appeal
• Colors must be indicated
• Figurative elements contain color grey
• If black & white is claimed, than the representation
shall not contain grey
• Black & white is not identical to any color
– Black & white does not cover all color combinations
Result
• Appeal dismissed
• Color claim remains ‘black, white, grey’
17 March 2015
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AND THE FIGURE…
Still not the days of a year!
365
Cl. 29 – edible bird nests
STATISTICS
Boards of Appeal
appeals filed – appeal closed
3500
3284
3000
2783
2570
2500
2622
2513
2339
2602
2564
2166
2000
1866
1848
1815
1787
1588
1500
1000
500
0
2008
2009
2010
Filed
17 March 2015
2011
2012
2013
2014
Closed
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Appeal ration
Examination of absolute Grounds of Refusal
18,00%
15,72%
16,00%
15,94%
15,16%
14,00%
Examiner - BoA
12,00%
BoA - GC
10,76%
10,00%
9,05%
8,00%
8,10%
6,00%
2012
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2013
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2014
61
Appeal ration
Examination of relative Grounds of Refusal
24,00%
22,80%
21,89%
22,31%
22,00%
20,00%
18,00%
OD - BoA
BoA - GC
16,00%
14,00%
12,53%
12,00%
11,81%
11,57%
10,00%
2012
17 March 2015
2013
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Boards of Appeal
Appeals filed before the GC
310
12,50%
12,25%
293
12,00%
11,98%
290
291
291
11,70%
270
11,50%
11,00%
250
10,77%
10,50%
10,47%
10,40%
230
10,00%
9,88%
210
199
190
214
9,50%
214
194
9,00%
170
8,50%
150
8,00%
2008
17 March 2015
2009
2010
2011
2012
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2013
2014
63
Language of
appeal proceedings
1997-2013
6,50 2,10 1,40
5,50
19,50
65,00
17 March 2015
2014
EN
DE
FR
ES
IT
Other
4,00
4,90
2,10 4,10
21,10
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63,60
EN
DE
FR
ES
IT
Other
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CONTACT :
Thank You for your Attention
9 April 2014
Christoph Bartos
(+ 34) 965 139 743
[email protected]
[email protected]
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CONTACT US:
(+ 34) 965 139 100 (switchboard)
(+ 34) 965 139 400 (e-business technical incidents)
(+ 34) 965 131 344 (main fax)
[email protected]
[email protected]
twitter/oamitweets
youtube/oamitubes
www.oami.europa.eu
9 April 2014
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Thank You
66