OPPOSITION DIVISION
OPPOSITION No B 2 644 808
Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Porscheplatz 1, 70435 Stuttgart, Germany (opponent),
represented by Lichtenstein, Körner & Partner mbB, Heidehofstr. 9, 70184
Stuttgart, Germany (professional representative)
a g a i n s t
Limited Liability Company “Twins Tec-Ukraine”, Vasilkovskaya street, 30, KYIV
03022, Ukraine (holder), represented by Dr. Emil Benatov & Partners, Asen Peykov
Str. No.6, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria (professional representative).
On 09/11/2017, the Opposition Division takes the following
DECISION:
1. Opposition No B 2 644 808 is partially upheld, namely for the following
contested goods:
Class 3: Abrasives; abrasive cloth; glass cloth; abrasive paper; breath
freshening sprays; diamantine [abrasive]; alum stones [astringents];
amber [perfume]; antistatic preparations for household purposes;
cosmetic dyes; color- colour- brightening chemicals for household
purposes [laundry]; bergamot oil; fragrance sachets for eye pillows;
incense sticks; preparations to make the leaves of plants shiny;
starch glaze for laundry purposes; abrasive preparations; badian
essence; beard dyes; pastes for razor strops; shaving stones
[astringents]; shaving soap; shaving preparations; eyebrow
cosmetics; eyebrow pencils; petroleum jelly for cosmetic purposes;
cosmetic preparations for baths; bath salts, not for medical
purposes; cotton wool for cosmetic purposes; cotton sticks for
cosmetic purposes; shoe black [shoe polish]; shoe cream;
bleaching soda; laundry preparations; bleaching salts; dental
bleaching gels; skin whitening creams; decorative transfers for
cosmetic purposes; cosmetic preparations for eyelashes; false
eyelashes; adhesives for affixing false eyelashes; mustache wax;
creams for leather; polishing wax; windshield cleaning liquids; hair
dyes and bleaching products; depilatory preparations; hair lotions;
hair waving lotions; volcanic ash for cleaning; astringents for
cosmetic purposes; cloths impregnated with a detergent for
cleaning; gaultheria oil; heliotropine; geraniol; javelle water; make-
up; make-up removing preparations; theatrical make-up; lipsticks;
disinfectant soap; deodorants for human beings or for animals;
deodorant soap; depilatory creams; shampoos for pets; scented
water; scented wood; extracts of flowers [perfumes]; ethereal
essences; essential oils; jasmine oil; greases for cosmetic
purposes; laundry bleach; flavorings [flavourings] for beverages
[essential oils]; aromatics [essential oils]; cake flavorings [essential
oils]; preservatives for leather [polishes]; degreasers other than for
use in manufacturing processes; dentifrices; denture polishes;
preparations for cleaning dentures; ionone [perfumery]; rust
Decision on Opposition No B 2 644 808 page: 2 of 18
removing preparations; silicon carbide [abrasive]; carbides of metal
[abrasives]; bases for flower perfumes; essential oils of cedarwood;
adhesives for affixing false hair; adhesives for cosmetic purposes;
quillaia bark for washing; corundum [abrasive]; decorative
cosmetics; cosmetics for animals; cosmetic powders, creams and
lotions for the face, hands and body; beauty masks; cosmetic kits;
whiting; cleaning chalk; cosmetic creams; laundry glaze; laundry
starch; cakes of toilet soap; lavender water; lavender oil; incense;
nail polish removers; hair spray; nail polish; essential oils of lemon;
polishing paper; smoothing stones; polishing preparations; polish
for furniture and flooring; medicated soap; beauty lotions; tissues
impregnated with cosmetic lotions; after-shave lotions; smoothing
preparations [starching]; floor polish; non-slipping wax for floors;
almond oil; almond soap; almond milk for cosmetic purposes;
washing soda, for cleaning; detergents other than for use in
manufacturing operations and for medical purposes; soap; soap for
foot perspiration; antiperspirant soap; cleansing milk for toilet
purposes; musk [perfumery]; fabric softeners for laundry use; mint
for perfumery; mint essence [essential oil]; emery; emery cloth;
emery paper; ammonia [volatile alkali] [detergent]; preparations for
the permanent waving of hair; nail glitter; nail care preparations;
false nails; eau de cologne; cosmetic pencils; oils for perfumes and
scents; oils for cosmetic purposes; oils for toilet purposes;
turpentine, for degreasing; perfumery; washing powder; pumice
stone; hydrogen peroxide for cosmetic purposes; rose oil; non-
medicated toiletries; toilet water; hair mascara; paint stripping
preparations; furbishing preparations; cleaning, scouring and
abrasive preparations; cleaning preparations; scouring solutions;
shampoos; cosmetic preparations for skin care and skin treatment;
abrasive cloth; abrasive cloth and paper; smoothing stones;
wallpaper cleaning preparations.
Class 5: Algicides; bacterial preparations for medical and veterinary use;
anti-inflammatory salves; bactericides; balsamic preparations for
medical purposes; biological preparations for veterinary purposes;
biological preparations for medical purposes; petroleum jelly for
medical purposes; salts for mineral water baths; therapeutic
preparations for the bath; oxygen baths; medicated bath
preparations for therapeutic use; medicated bath salts;
preparations of lime for pharmaceutical purposes; veterinary
preparations; tartar for pharmaceutical purposes (listed twice); sea
water for medicinal bathing; mineral waters for medical purposes;
medicinal hair growth preparations; anti-horsefly oils; mustard for
pharmaceutical purposes; mustard oil for medical purposes;
glycerine for medical purposes; preparations for destroying dry rot
fungus; mud for baths; medicinal mud; gamboge for medical
purposes; gurjun [gurjon, gurjan] balsam for medical purposes;
disinfectants for hygiene purposes; disinfectants for chemical
toilets; milking grease; eucalyptus for pharmaceutical purposes;
elixirs [pharmaceutical preparations]; gelatine for medical purposes;
cod liver oil; greases for veterinary purposes; greases for medical
purposes; jujube, medicated; insect destroying preparations;
camphor for medical purposes; camphor oil for medical purposes;
parasiticides; vermin destroying preparations; castor oil for medical
purposes; cedar wood for use as an insect repellent; fly catching
Decision on Opposition No B 2 644 808 page: 3 of 18
paper; insect repellents; solutions for contact lenses; contact lens
cleaning preparations; dill oil for medical purposes; veterinary
preparations; remedies for foot perspiration; medicinal oils; rubbing
compounds for therapeutic purposes; lotions for veterinary
purposes; lotions for pharmaceutical purposes; pharmaceutical
preparations for treating dandruff; melissa water for pharmaceutical
purposesmenthol; sanitary pads; sanitary tampons; sanitary
panties; panty liners [sanitary]; antiseptic cotton (listed twice);
absorbent cotton; milk of almonds for pharmaceutical purposes;
preparations for destroying mice; mothproofing paper; mothproofing
preparations; mineral water salts; milk ferments for pharmaceutical
purposes; fly catching paper; fly destroying preparations; mint for
pharmaceutical purposes; antiparasitic collars for animals;
fumigation preparations for medical purposes; fumigating sticks;
frostbite salve for pharmaceutical purposes; oil of turpentine for
pharmaceutical purposes; preparations for the treatment of burns;
poisons; sulfur sticks [disinfectants]; vermin destroying
preparations; preparations for destroying noxious animals;
remedies for perspiration; air purifying preparations; medicated
mouthwashes; pomades for medical purposes; antiseptics; vermin
destroying preparations; anticryptogamic preparations; repellents
for dogs; dog lotions; salts for medical purposes; sunburn
ointments; sunburn preparations for pharmaceutical purposes;
sterilising preparations; animal washes; thermal water;
pharmaceutical preparations; fennel for medical purposes;
fungicides; chemical preparations for veterinary purposes; chemical
preparations for medical purposes; chemical preparations for
pharmaceutical purposes; extracts of hops for pharmaceutical
purposes; pharmaceutical preparations for skin care; rat poison;
burn relief medication.
2. International registration No 1 269 551 is refused protection in respect of the
European Union for all of the above goods. It may proceed for the remaining
goods.
3. Each party bears its own costs.
As from 01/10/2017, Regulation (EC) No 207/2009 and Regulation (EC) No 2868/95
have been repealed and replaced by Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 (codification),
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/1430 and Implementing Regulation (EU)
2017/1431, subject to certain transitional provisions. All the references in this
decision to the EUTMR, EUTMDR and EUTMIR shall be understood as references to
the Regulations currently in force, except where expressly indicated otherwise.
REASONS
The opponent filed an opposition against all the goods of international registration
designating the European Union No 1 269 551 ,
namely against all the goods in Classes 3 and 5. The opposition is based on
Decision on Opposition No B 2 644 808 page: 4 of 18
European Union trade mark registration No 9 736 232. The opponent invoked
Article 8(1)(b) EUTMR.
LIKELIHOOD OF CONFUSION — ARTICLE 8(1)(b) EUTMR
A likelihood of confusion exists if there is a risk that the public might believe that the
goods or services in question, under the assumption that they bear the marks in
question, come from the same undertaking or, as the case may be, from
economically linked undertakings. Whether a likelihood of confusion exists depends
on the appreciation in a global assessment of several factors, which are
interdependent. These factors include the similarity of the signs, the similarity of the
goods and services, the distinctiveness of the earlier mark, the distinctive and
dominant elements of the conflicting signs, and the relevant public.
a) The goods
The goods on which the opposition is based are the following:
Class 3: Bleaching preparations and other substances for laundry use; cleaning,
polishing, degreasing and abrasive preparations; soaps; perfumery, essential oils,
cosmetics, hair lotions; cosmetics, after-shave, sun care preparations.
The contested goods are the following:
Class 3: Abrasives; abrasive cloth; glass cloth; abrasive paper; breath freshening
sprays; diamantine [abrasive]; alum stones [astringents]; amber [perfume]; antistatic
preparations for household purposes; cosmetic dyes; color- colour- brightening
chemicals for household purposes [laundry]; bergamot oil; fragrance sachets for eye
pillows; incense sticks; preparations to make the leaves of plants shiny; starch glaze
for laundry purposes; abrasive preparations; badian essence; beard dyes; pastes for
razor strops; shaving stones [astringents]; shaving soap; shaving preparations;
eyebrow cosmetics; eyebrow pencils; petroleum jelly for cosmetic purposes;
cosmetic preparations for baths; bath salts, not for medical purposes; cotton wool for
cosmetic purposes; cotton sticks for cosmetic purposes; shoe black [shoe polish];
shoe cream; bleaching soda; laundry preparations; bleaching salts; dental bleaching
gels; skin whitening creams; decorative transfers for cosmetic purposes; cosmetic
preparations for eyelashes; false eyelashes; adhesives for affixing false eyelashes;
mustache wax; creams for leather; tailors’ wax; polishing wax; windshield cleaning
liquids; hair dyes and bleaching products; depilatory preparations; hair lotions; hair
waving lotions; volcanic ash for cleaning; astringents for cosmetic purposes; cloths
impregnated with a detergent for cleaning; gaultheria oil; heliotropine; geraniol;
javelle water; make-up; make-up removing preparations; theatrical make-up;
lipsticks; disinfectant soap; deodorants for human beings or for animals; deodorant
soap; depilatory creams; shampoos for pets; scented water; scented wood; extracts
of flowers [perfumes]; ethereal essences; essential oils; jasmine oil; greases for
cosmetic purposes; laundry bleach; flavorings [flavourings] for beverages [essential
oils]; aromatics [essential oils]; cake flavorings [essential oils]; preservatives for
leather [polishes]; degreasers other than for use in manufacturing processes;
dentifrices; denture polishes; preparations for cleaning dentures; ionone [perfumery];
rust removing preparations; silicon carbide [abrasive]; carbides of metal [abrasives];
bases for flower perfumes; essential oils of cedarwood; adhesives for affixing false
hair; adhesives for cosmetic purposes; quillaia bark for washing; corundum
[abrasive]; decorative cosmetics; cosmetics for animals; cosmetic powders, creams
and lotions for the face, hands and body; beauty masks; cosmetic kits; whiting;
cleaning chalk; cosmetic creams; laundry glaze; laundry starch; cakes of toilet soap;
Decision on Opposition No B 2 644 808 page: 5 of 18
lavender water; lavender oil; incense; nail polish removers; hair spray; nail polish;
essential oils of lemon; polishing paper; smoothing stones; polishing preparations;
polish for furniture and flooring; medicated soap; beauty lotions; tissues impregnated
with cosmetic lotions; after-shave lotions; smoothing preparations [starching]; floor
polish; non-slipping wax for floors; almond oil; almond soap; almond milk for
cosmetic purposes; washing soda, for cleaning; detergents other than for use in
manufacturing operations and for medical purposes; soap; soap for foot perspiration;
antiperspirant soap; cleansing milk for toilet purposes; musk [perfumery]; fabric
softeners for laundry use; mint for perfumery; mint essence [essential oil]; emery;
emery cloth; emery paper; ammonia [volatile alkali] [detergent]; preparations for the
permanent waving of hair; nail glitter; nail care preparations; false nails; eau de
cologne; cosmetic pencils; oils for perfumes and scents; oils for cosmetic purposes;
oils for toilet purposes; turpentine, for degreasing; perfumery; washing powder;
pumice stone; hydrogen peroxide for cosmetic purposes; rose oil; non-medicated
toiletries; toilet water; hair mascara; paint stripping preparations; furbishing
preparations; cleaning, scouring and abrasive preparations; cleaning preparations;
scouring solutions; shampoos; cosmetic preparations for skin care and skin
treatment; abrasive cloth; abrasive cloth and paper; smoothing stones; wallpaper
cleaning preparations.
Class 5: Dental abrasives; acaricides; aconitine; coca alkaloid preparations for
medical purposes; aluminium acetate for pharmaceutical purposes; algicides;
aldehydes for pharmaceutical purposes; dental amalgams; amino acids for veterinary
purposes; amino acids for medical purposes; analgesics; angostura bark for medical
purposes; anaesthetics; antibiotics; first-aid boxes, filled; acetates for pharmaceutical
purposes; tonics [medicines]; bactericides; media for bacteriological cultures;
bacterial preparations for medical and veterinary use; anti-inflammatory salves;
balsamic preparations for medical purposes; bandages for dressings; antiseptic
cotton; tobacco-free cigarettes for medical purposes; materials for dressings;
albuminous preparations for medical purposes; albuminous foodstuffs for medical
purposes; biological preparations for veterinary purposes; biological preparations for
medical purposes; biocides; bismuth preparations for pharmaceutical purposes;
bismuth subnitrate for pharmaceutical purposes; wart pencils; flour for
pharmaceutical purposes; bracelets for medical purposes; bromine for
pharmaceutical purposes; bronchodilators; chemical preparations for the diagnosis of
pregnancy; petroleum jelly for medical purposes; vaccines; salts for mineral water
baths; therapeutic preparations for the bath; oxygen baths; medicated bath
preparations for therapeutic use; medicated bath salts; preparations of lime for
pharmaceutical purposes; absorbent cotton; veterinary preparations; tartar for
pharmaceutical purposes; vine disease treating chemicals; vitamin preparations; sea
water for medicinal bathing; mineral waters for medical purposes; hydrated chloral for
pharmaceutical purposes; medicinal hair growth preparations; charcoal for
pharmaceutical purposes; gases for medical purposes; gallic acid for pharmaceutical
purposes; guaiacol for pharmaceutical purposes; anti-horsefly oils; hematogen;
hemoglobin; hemorrhoid preparations; herbicides for agricultural purposes; pants,
absorbent, for incontinents; sanitary towels; hydrastine; hydrastinine; stick liquorice
for pharmaceutical purposes; mustard for pharmaceutical purposes; mustard oil for
medical purposes; mustard plasters; vermifuges; glycerine for medical purposes;
glycerophosphates; glucose for medical purposes; breast-nursing pads; articles for
headache; headache pencils; hormones for medical purposes; preparations for
destroying dry rot fungus; soil-sterilising preparations; mud for baths; medicinal mud;
vulnerary sponges; rubber for dental purposes; gamboge for medical purposes;
gurjun [gurjon, gurjan] balsam for medical purposes; disinfectants for hygiene
purposes; disinfectants for chemical toilets; deodorants for clothing and textiles;
deodorants, other than for human beings or for animals; digitalin; lacteal flour for
Decision on Opposition No B 2 644 808 page: 6 of 18
babies; diabetic bread adapted for medical use; diagnostic substances for medical
purposes; diastase for medical purposes; dietetic beverages adapted for medical
purposes; dietetic substances adapted for medical use; dietetic foods adapted for
medical purposes; milking grease; yeast for pharmaceutical purposes; eucalyptus for
pharmaceutical purposes; chemical conductors for electrocardiograph electrodes;
elixirs [pharmaceutical preparations]; esters for pharmaceutical purposes; ethers for
pharmaceutical purposes; gelatine for medical purposes; cod liver oil; greases for
veterinary purposes; greases for medical purposes; jujube, medicated; chewing gum
for medical purposes; medicines for alleviating constipation; semen for artificial
insemination; sedatives; chemical preparations to treat wheat blight [smut]; dental
amalgams of gold; teeth filling material; preparations to facilitate teething; dental
impression materials; dental lacquer; dental mastics; adhesives for dentures; dental
cements; isotopes for medical purposes; insect destroying preparations; irish moss
for medical purposes; caustic pencils; caustics for pharmaceutical purposes; iodine
for pharmaceutical purposes; alkaline iodides for pharmaceutical purposes; iodides
for pharmaceutical purposes; iodoform; potassium salts for medical purposes;
calomel; gum for medical purposes; camphor for medical purposes; camphor oil for
medical purposes; cachets for pharmaceutical purposes; capsules for medicines;
parasiticides; vermin destroying preparations; castor oil for medical purposes;
cachou for pharmaceutical purposes; quebracho for medical purposes; cedar wood
for use as an insect repellent; oxygen for medical purposes; acids for pharmaceutical
purposes; anti-rheumatism rings; bone cement for surgical and orthopaedic
purposes; fly catching paper; cocaine; collodion for pharmaceutical purposes; insect
repellents; medicated compresses; condurango bark for medical purposes; solutions
for contact lenses; contact lens cleaning preparations; barks for pharmaceutical
purposes; quinquina for medical purposes; medicinal roots; rhubarb roots for
pharmaceutical purposes; lint for medical purposes; tartar for pharmaceutical
purposes; creosote for pharmaceutical purposes; blood plasma; blood for medical
purposes; depuratives; styptic pencils; dill oil for medical purposes; croton bark;
starch for dietetic or pharmaceutical purposes; cultures of microorganisms for
medical and veterinary use; curare; smoking herbs for medical purposes; lactose for
pharmaceutical purposes; adhesive plasters; lecithin for medical purposes; adhesive
tapes for medical purposes; larvae exterminating preparations; medicinal alcohol;
first-aid boxes, filled; veterinary preparations; medicines for human purposes;
medicines for dental purposes; medicinal tea; medicinal herbs; remedies for foot
perspiration; medicinal drinks; tinctures for medical purposes; medicinal oils; rubbing
compounds for medical or therapeutic purposes; liquorice for pharmaceutical
purposes; lotions for veterinary purposes; lotions for pharmaceutical purposes;
pharmaceutical preparations for treating dandruff; candy for medical purposes;
linseed meal for pharmaceutical purposes; linseed for pharmaceutical purposes;
magnesia for pharmaceutical purposes; ointments for pharmaceutical purposes;
mangrove bark for pharmaceutical purposes; gauze for dressings; royal jelly for
medical purposes; melissa water for pharmaceutical purposes; sanitary pads;
sanitary tampons; sanitary panties; menthol; milk of almonds for pharmaceutical
purposes; condurango bark for medical purposes; preparations for destroying mice;
preparations of trace elements for human and animal use; nutritive substances for
microorganisms; cultures of microorganisms for medical and veterinary use;
chemical preparations to treat mildew; mothproofing paper; mothproofing
preparations; mineral water salts; mineral food supplements; corn remedies; bunion
pads; moleskin for medical purposes; milk ferments for pharmaceutical purposes; fly
catching paper; fly destroying preparations; powder of cantharides; mint for
pharmaceutical purposes; scapulars for surgical purposes; vesicants; narcotics;
tincture of iodine; tinctures for medical purposes; sodium salts for medical purposes;
sal ammoniac lozenges; antiparasitic collars for animals; smelling salts; fumigation
preparations for medical purposes; fumigating sticks; frostbite salve for
Decision on Opposition No B 2 644 808 page: 7 of 18
pharmaceutical purposes; chilblain preparations; oil of turpentine for pharmaceutical
purposes; opium; preparations for the treatment of burns; opodeldoc; opotherapy
preparations; poisons; eye compresses; eyepatches for medical purposes; sulfur
sticks [disinfectants]; diapers for incontinents; paper for mustard plasters; vermin
destroying preparations; pectin for pharmaceutical purposes; pepsins for
pharmaceutical purposes; peptones for pharmaceutical purposes; dressings,
medical; surgical dressings; surgical implants comprised of living tissues; hydrogen
peroxide for medical purposes; pesticides; preparations for destroying noxious
animals; pills for pharmaceutical purposes; pyrethrum powder; remedies for
perspiration; medical plasters; air purifying preparations; nutritional supplements;
medicated mouthwashes; pomades for medical purposes; porcelain for dental
prostheses; laxatives; belts for sanitary napkins [towels]; poultices; food for babies;
by-products of the processing of cereals for dietetic or medical purposes; purgative
preparations; febrifuges; chemical contraceptives; antiseptic cotton; antiseptics; corn
rings for the feet; vermin destroying preparations; anti-rheumatism bracelets; anti-
uric preparations; anticryptogamic preparations; leeches for medical purposes;
radium for medical purposes; radioactive substances for medical purposes; cement
for animal hooves; chemical reagents for medical or veterinary purposes; radiological
contrast substances for medical purposes; repellents for dogs; fish meal for
pharmaceutical purposes; tissues impregnated with pharmaceutical lotions; solvents
for removing adhesive plasters; mercurial ointments; lead water; suppositories;
siccatives [drying agents] for medical purposes; syrups for pharmaceutical purposes;
turpentine for pharmaceutical purposes; slug exterminating preparations; hypnotic
sedatives; dog lotions; bicarbonate of soda for pharmaceutical purposes; salts for
medical purposes; malt for pharmaceutical purposes; milk ferments for
pharmaceutical purposes; sunburn ointments; sunburn preparations for
pharmaceutical purposes; precious metals and precious metal alloys for use in
dentistry; sterilising preparations; steroids; medicines; pills for pharmaceutical
purposes; animal washes; thermal water; thymol for pharmaceutical purposes; herbal
teas for medicinal purposes; panty liners [sanitary]; tobacco extracts [insecticides];
pharmaceutical preparations; phenol for pharmaceutical purposes; fennel for medical
purposes; enzymes for veterinary purposes; ferments for pharmaceutical purposes;
chemical preparations for treating phylloxera; formic aldehyde for pharmaceutical
purposes; molding wax for dentists; phosphates for pharmaceutical purposes;
fungicides; chemical preparations for veterinary purposes; chemical preparations for
medical purposes; chemical preparations for pharmaceutical purposes; quinine for
medical purposes; chinoline for medical purposes; chloroform; extracts of hops for
pharmaceutical purposes; slimming tea for medical purposes; slimming capsules;
cattle washes; flowers of sulfur for pharmaceutical purposes; cellulose esters for
pharmaceutical purposes; cellulose ethers for pharmaceutical purposes; candy,
medicated; sugar for medical purposes; pharmaceutical preparations for skin care;
rat poison; jalap; burn relief medication.
As a preliminary remark, it is to be noted that according to Article 33(7) EUTMR,
goods or services are not regarded as being similar to or dissimilar from each other
on the ground that they appear in the same or different classes under the Nice
Classification.
The relevant factors relating to the comparison of the goods or services include, inter
alia, the nature and purpose of the goods or services, the distribution channels, the
sales outlets, the producers, the method of use and whether they are in competition
with each other or complementary to each other.
Contested goods in Class 3
Decision on Opposition No B 2 644 808 page: 8 of 18
Soap; perfumery; cleaning preparations; hair lotions; essential oils; after-shave
lotions; cleaning and abrasive preparations; polishing preparations are identically
contained in both lists of goods, albeit some of the terms listed with synonyms or with
their singular forms.
The contested bleaching soda; laundry preparations; bleaching salts; color- colour-
brightening chemicals for household purposes [laundry]; fabric softeners for laundry
use; starch glaze for laundry purposes; laundry bleach; laundry glaze; laundry starch;
smoothing preparations [starching]; javelle water are included in the broad category
of the opponent’s bleaching preparations and other substances for laundry use.
These goods are identical.
The contested shaving soap; disinfectant soap; deodorant soap; medicated soap;
almond soap; soap for foot perspiration; antiperspirant soap; cakes of toilet soap;
quillaia bark for washing are included in, or overlap with, the broad category of the
opponent’s soaps. They are identical.
The contested abrasives; glass cloth; abrasive paper (listed twice); diamantine
[abrasive]; antistatic preparations for household purposes; abrasive preparations;
abrasive cloth (listed three times); smoothing stones (listed twice); corundum
[abrasive]; emery cloth; emery paper; washing powder; furbishing preparations;
pumice stone; silicon carbide [abrasive]; carbides of metal [abrasives]; polish for
furniture and flooring; floor polish; non-slipping wax for floors; whiting; turpentine, for
degreasing; wallpaper cleaning preparations; ammonia [volatile alkali] [detergent];
polishing paper; washing soda, for cleaning; rust removing preparations; cleaning
chalk; windshield cleaning liquids; volcanic ash for cleaning; cloths impregnated with
a detergent for cleaning; degreasers other than for use in manufacturing processes;
detergents other than for use in manufacturing operations and for medical purposes;
paint stripping preparations; preservatives for leather [polishes]; creams for leather;
polishing wax; shoe black [shoe polish]; shoe cream; preparations to make the
leaves of plants shiny are included in, or overlap with, the broad categories of the
opponent’s cleaning, polishing, degreasing and abrasive preparations. These goods
are identical.
The contested amber [perfume]; musk [perfumery]; mint for perfumery; eau de
cologne; scented water; scented wood; oils for perfumes and scents; extracts of
flowers [perfumes]; toilet water; lavender water; incense; incense sticks; ionone
[perfumery]; bases for flower perfumes; fragrance sachets for eye pillows are
included in the broad category of the opponent’s perfumery. These goods are
identical.
The contested bergamot oil; gaultheria oil; jasmine oil; essential oils of cedarwood;
lavender oil; essential oils of lemon; rose oil; mint essence [essential oil]; almond oil;
badian essence; heliotropine; geraniol; ethereal essences; aromatics [essential oils];
flavorings [flavourings] for beverages [essential oils ]; cake flavorings [essential oils]
are included in, or overlap with, the opponent’s broad category of essential oils.
These goods are identical.
The contested alum stones [astringents]; pastes for razor strops; shaving stones
[astringents]; shaving preparations; depilatory preparations; astringents for cosmetic
purposes; make-up; make-up removing preparations; theatrical make-up; lipsticks;
deodorants for human beings or for animals; depilatory creams; greases for cosmetic
purposes; decorative cosmetics; cosmetics for animals; cosmetic powders, creams
and lotions for the face, hands and body; beauty masks; cosmetic kits; cosmetic
creams; nail polish removers; nail polish; beauty lotions; tissues impregnated with
Decision on Opposition No B 2 644 808 page: 9 of 18
cosmetic lotions; almond milk for cosmetic purposes; cleansing milk for toilet
purposes; hydrogen peroxide for cosmetic purposes; non-medicated toiletries; nail
glitter; nail care preparations; cosmetic pencils; oils for cosmetic purposes; oils for
toilet purposes; eyebrow cosmetics; eyebrow pencils; petroleum jelly for cosmetic
purposes; cosmetic preparations for baths; bath salts, not for medical purposes;
cotton wool for cosmetic purposes; cotton sticks for cosmetic purposes; skin
whitening creams; decorative transfers for cosmetic purposes; cosmetic preparations
for eyelashes; moustache wax; shampoos; cosmetic preparations for skin care and
skin treatment; shampoos for pets are included in, or overlap with, the opponent’s
broad category of cosmetics. They are identical.
The contested cosmetic dyes; beard dyes; hair dyes and bleaching products; hair
spray; hair waving lotions; hair mascara; preparations for the permanent waving of
hair are included in, or overlap with, the opponent’s broad category of hair lotions.
These goods are identical.
The contested false nails; false eyelashes are highly similar to the opponent’s
cosmetics. These goods serve the same cosmetic purposes and will coincide in their
distribution channels, for instance beauty stores, and relevant public. They will also
coincide in their manufacturers and they may have a complementary character to
each other.
The contested scouring preparations; scouring solutions are used to clean or polish
(a surface) by washing and rubbing, as with an abrasive cloth. The opponent’s
abrasive preparations are substances or materials such as sandpaper, pumice, or
emery, used for cleaning, grinding, smoothing, or polishing. All of these products are
agents used for cleaning and to that extent, their natures and purposes for use in the
household are similar. Furthermore, they target the same consumers and are sold in
the same retail outlets and in the same section in supermarkets. Therefore, these
goods are considered similar.
The contested adhesives for affixing false hair; adhesives for affixing false
eyelashes; adhesives for cosmetic purposes are similar to a low degree to the
opponent’s cosmetics. These goods may coincide in their producers, relevant publics
and distribution channels.
The contested breath freshening sprays; dental bleaching gels; dentifrices; denture
polishes; preparations for cleaning dentures are dentifrices and such goods that
could be found through the same distribution channels as the opponent’s cosmetics
as they might serve the same general purpose of beautification and improvement of
physical appearance. Consequently, these goods may target the same public of
personal care products and for these reasons, they are considered similar to a low
degree.
The contested tailors’ wax cannot be classified in any of the broad categories of the
opponent’s goods as listed above. Waxes of this type are meant for professional use
(by tailors) and they will not coincide in their relevant public with the opponent’s
goods addressed to general public; furthermore, they will have different distribution
channels and different origins. In addition, they are not complementary, nor in
competition with each other. The goods are dissimilar.
Contested goods in Class 5
The contested sunburn ointments; sunburn preparations for pharmaceutical
purposes are products addressed to general consumers with the aim of after-sun
Decision on Opposition No B 2 644 808 page: 10 of 18
care. The contested preparations for the treatment of burns; burn relief medication
may, inter alia, refer to preparations used for sunburn and to that extent relate to the
opponent’s sun care preparations. These goods may coincide in their natures and
methods of use, as well as in their distribution channels and relevant publics with the
opponent’s goods. In addition, they may originate from the same undertakings.
Consequently, all these goods are highly similar to the opponent’s sun care
preparations.
The contested disinfectants for hygiene purposes; disinfectants for chemical toilets;
sulfur sticks [disinfectants]; air purifying preparations; antiseptics; solutions for
contact lenses; contact lens cleaning preparations; sterilising preparations;
bactericides are all disinfectants used for different purposes, in the present case
including for cleaning, purifying and sterilising of particular items (toilets, contact
lenses). The goods may have the same relevant publics and distribution channels as
the opponent’s cleaning preparations since they may be easily accessible at
supermarkets and drug stores, where they are offered at public at large. In addition,
an identical origin from the same manufacturers in the chemical industry may be
assumed for these goods. For all the above, these contested goods are considered
similar to the opponent’s cleaning preparations in Class 3.
The contested medicinal hair growth preparations; lotions for pharmaceutical
purposes are similar to the opponent’s hair lotions since these goods may have the
same methods of use, namely as cleaning and protection preparations for hair.
Furthermore, the goods will target the same public and may coincide in their
distribution channels and producers.
The contested anti-inflammatory salves; balsamic preparations for medical purposes;
pomades for medical purposes; greases for medical purposes; milking grease;
gurjun [gurjon, gurjan] balsam for medical purposes; frostbite salve for
pharmaceutical purposes; preparations of lime for pharmaceutical purposes; milk of
almonds for pharmaceutical purposes; remedies for foot perspiration; remedies for
perspiration; glycerine for medical purposes; elixirs [pharmaceutical preparations];
petroleum jelly for medical purposes; melissa water for pharmaceutical purposes;
medicated mouthwashes; tartar for pharmaceutical purposes (listed twice); mustard
for pharmaceutical purposes; gamboge for medical purposes; gelatine for medical
purposes; jujube, medicated; milk ferments for pharmaceutical purposes (listed
twice); fennel for medical purposes; extracts of hops for pharmaceutical purposes are
similar to the opponent’s cosmetics in Class 3, as these goods may have the same
global purpose of improving the physical appearance of a person and they may have,
in addition, the same method of use, in particular as balms, pomades, greases, milks,
elixirs, etc. The contested chemical preparations for pharmaceutical purposes;
chemical preparations for medical purposes; pharmaceutical preparations for skin
care; pharmaceutical preparations; biological preparations for medical purposes are
broad categories that may include some of the above mentioned goods and to that
extent similarity may be established also on this level; in particular, the goods are
similar to an average degree. Furthermore, all the above commented goods may
coincide in their producers, relevant consumers and distribution channels.
The contested pharmaceutical preparations for treating dandruff are considered
similar to a low degree to the opponent’s hair lotions since these goods may have the
same methods of use, distribution channels and relevant publics.
The contested sanitary tampons; sanitary panties; panty liners [sanitary]; sanitary
pads; antiseptic cotton (listed twice); absorbent cotton are sanitary articles that are
especially used by women for cosmetic and hygienic reasons. They are found similar
Decision on Opposition No B 2 644 808 page: 11 of 18
to a low degree to the opponent’s cosmetics since these goods may have the same
relevant publics and distribution channels.
The contested mustard oil for medical purposes; anti-horsefly oils; cod liver oil; castor
oil for medical purposes; oil of turpentine for pharmaceutical purposes; dill oil for
medical purposes; medicinal oils; camphor oil for medical purposes; camphor for
medical purposes; menthol; eucalyptus for pharmaceutical purposes; mint for
pharmaceutical purposes are similar to a low degree to the opponent’s essential oils
since these goods are in their essence oils and oil extracts that may be used for
different medical/cosmetic treatments of humans and animals. Furthermore, they
may coincide in their relevant publics and distribution channels, for instance some
specialised pharmacies may provide oils for medicinal purposes together with
essential oils as these goods may in some cases be interchangeable or used for the
same relevant purposes.
The contested mineral water salts; salts for mineral water baths; therapeutic
preparations for the bath; oxygen baths; medicated bath preparations for therapeutic
use; medicated bath salts; sea water for medicinal bathing; mud for baths; medicinal
mud; rubbing compounds for medical or therapeutic purposes; salts for medical
purposes; mineral waters for medical purposes; thermal water are similar to a low
degree to the opponent’s cosmetics. These goods may have the same relevant
public and distribution channels as the opponent, further to that they may coincide in
their producers who offer such products both, for medical or non-medical purposes.
The contested bacterial preparations for medical and veterinary use; biological
preparations for veterinary purposes; veterinary preparations (listed twice); greases
for veterinary purposes; lotions for veterinary purposes; dog lotions; animal washes;
chemical preparations for veterinary purposes are found similar to a low degree to
the opponent’s cosmetics. These goods may coincide in their relevant publics and
distribution channels, as well as in their manufacturers to the extent that they may be
used as alternative medicated or non-medicated products meant for animals and
directed to animals/pet owners.
The contested cedar wood for use as an insect repellent; fly catching paper (listed
twice); fly destroying preparations; mothproofing paper; mothproofing preparations;
insect repellents; insect destroying preparations; parasiticides; poisons; preparations
for destroying mice; preparations for destroying noxious animals; rat poison;
repellents for dogs; antiparasitic collars for animals are various repellents and
preparations for treatment of pest and parasites in household conditions, in particular
insects, such as flies and moths, and animals, for instance mice and rats. To the
extent that these preparations are used to control the appearance of such harmful
insects and animals and are, in a global prospective, contributing to the hygiene and
sterilisation of the household, they are considered similar to a low degree to the
opponent’s cleaning and bleaching preparations that might be used for the same
purposes. Furthermore, these goods usually belong to the same chemical industry
having the nature of strong chemical substances and may be distributed through the
same sale points providing products for maintenance of the household.
The contested anticryptogamic preparations; vermin destroying preparations (listed
three times); fungicides; algicides; fumigation preparations for medical purposes;
fumigating sticks; preparations for destroying dry rot fungus are various preparations
for treating and destroying vermin and fungus. The opponent’s cleaning and
bleaching preparations usually contain strong chemical substances and are products
used for cleaning, removing colour or for killing germs. To the extent that the
contested goods in Class 5 also aim at killing germs or inhibiting micro-organisms
Decision on Opposition No B 2 644 808 page: 12 of 18
(fungi or fungal spores), these goods may be found similar to a certain extent. They
also share the same nature products of the chemical industry and, although less
likely, it cannot be completely excluded that they are elaborated by the same
undertakings. The goods may further coincide in their distribution channels.
Therefore, they are considered similar to a low degree.
On the contrary, the remaining contested goods, namely sodium salts for medical
purposes; medicinal alcohol; hydrogen peroxide for medical purposes; thymol for
pharmaceutical purposes; phenol for pharmaceutical purposes; chloroform; acids for
pharmaceutical purposes; caustics for pharmaceutical purposes; bicarbonate of soda
for pharmaceutical purposes; amino acids for medical purposes; amino acids for
veterinary purposes; angostura bark for medical purposes; coca alkaloid
preparations for medical purposes; aconitine; aluminium acetate for pharmaceutical
purposes; aldehydes for pharmaceutical purposes; analgesics; anaesthetics;
antibiotics; first-aid boxes, filled (listed twice); acetates for pharmaceutical purposes;
tonics [medicines]; media for bacteriological cultures; tobacco-free cigarettes for
medical purposes; bismuth preparations for pharmaceutical purposes; bismuth
subnitrate for pharmaceutical purposes; wart pencils; flour for pharmaceutical
purposes; bracelets for medical purposes; bromine for pharmaceutical purposes;
bronchodilators; chemical preparations for the diagnosis of pregnancy; vaccines;
vitamin preparations; hydrated chloral for pharmaceutical purposes; charcoal for
pharmaceutical purposes; gallic acid for pharmaceutical purposes; guaiacol for
pharmaceutical purposes; hematogen; hemoglobin; hemorrhoid preparations;
hydrastine; hydrastinine; stick liquorice for pharmaceutical purposes; vermifuges;
glycerophosphates; articles for headache; headache pencils; hormones for medical
purposes; digitalin; diagnostic substances for medical purposes; diastase for medical
purposes; chemical conductors for electrocardiograph electrodes; medicines for
alleviating constipation; gases for medical purposes; semen for artificial insemination;
sedatives; isotopes for medical purposes; irish moss for medical purposes; caustic
pencils; iodine for pharmaceutical purposes; alkaline iodides for pharmaceutical
purposes; iodides for pharmaceutical purposes; iodoform; potassium salts for
medical purposes; calomel; gum for medical purposes; esters for pharmaceutical
purposes; ethers for pharmaceutical purposes; cachets for pharmaceutical purposes;
capsules for medicines; cachou for pharmaceutical purposes; chewing gum for
medical purposes; quebracho for medical purposes; oxygen for medical purposes;
anti-rheumatism rings; bone cement for surgical and orthopaedic purposes; cocaine;
collodion for pharmaceutical purposes; condurango bark for medical purposes (listed
twice); barks for pharmaceutical purposes; quinquina for medical purposes;
medicinal roots; rhubarb roots for pharmaceutical purposes; creosote for
pharmaceutical purposes; blood plasma; blood for medical purposes; depuratives;
styptic pencils; croton bark; cultures of microorganisms for medical and veterinary
use (listed twice); curare; smoking herbs for medical purposes; medicines for human
purposes; medicines for dental purposes; medicinal tea; medicinal herbs; medicinal
drinks; tinctures for medical purposes (listed twice); rubbing compounds for medical
purposes; liquorice for pharmaceutical purposes; candy for medical purposes;
magnesia for pharmaceutical purposes; ointments for pharmaceutical purposes;
mangrove bark for pharmaceutical purposes; preparations of trace elements for
human and animal use; nutritive substances for microorganisms; corn remedies;
vesicants; narcotics; tincture of iodine; sal ammoniac lozenges; smelling salts;
chilblain preparations; opium; opodeldoc; opotherapy preparations; pectin for
pharmaceutical purposes; pepsins for pharmaceutical purposes; peptones for
pharmaceutical purposes; surgical implants comprised of living tissues; pills for
pharmaceutical purposes (listed twice); laxatives; purgative preparations; febrifuges;
chemical contraceptives; anti-rheumatism bracelets; anti-uric preparations; leeches
for medical purposes; radium for medical purposes; radioactive substances for
Decision on Opposition No B 2 644 808 page: 13 of 18
medical purposes; cement for animal hooves; chemical reagents for medical or
veterinary purposes; radiological contrast substances for medical purposes; tissues
impregnated with pharmaceutical lotions; mercurial ointments; lead water;
suppositories; siccatives [drying agents] for medical purposes; syrups for
pharmaceutical purposes; turpentine for pharmaceutical purposes; hypnotic
sedatives; malt for pharmaceutical purposes; steroids; medicines; herbal teas for
medicinal purposes; ferments for pharmaceutical purposes; formic aldehyde for
pharmaceutical purposes; phosphates for pharmaceutical purposes; quinine for
medical purposes; chinoline for medical purposes; cattle washes; flowers of sulfur for
pharmaceutical purposes; cellulose esters for pharmaceutical purposes; cellulose
ethers for pharmaceutical purposes; candy, medicated; sugar for medical purposes;
jalap are various pharmaceutical and veterinary preparations of a chemical or organic
origin with a highly specialised character and use to treat particular diseases and
health issues. These goods differ from the opponent’s cosmetics and, moreover, from
any of the remaining opponent’s goods in Class 3. It is obvious that these goods are
products of the pharmaceutical industry or organic products used exclusively for
medicinal purposes, including with nutritional purpose some of them; in market
conditions, they are most likely provided by professionals, under a special medical
observation or at least with the assistance of experts with knowledge in the medical
field. Although some of the contested goods are organic products that may be
equally used for cosmetic purposes, this is not sufficient to establish a similarity
between these categories as the relevant consumer will not assume identical origin
only on the basis of identical ingredients used for the preparations of different
medical products and medicines. In addition, the goods are not in competition with
each other as they generally differ in the degree of sophistication of the contested
medical products. Consequently, these goods are considered dissimilar.
The contested deodorants for clothing and textiles; deodorants, other than for human
beings or for animals are dissimilar to the opponent’s goods since these goods have
different general purposes and methods of use, while the opponent’s goods may be
used to give a pleasant smell to the body, in particular the opponent’s fragrances and
cosmetics, the contested goods are specifically sanitary products used to destroy or
mask outer odours, in particular in medical environment. These goods will have
different relevant publics and distribution channels, as well as different manufactures.
The contested dental abrasives; dental amalgams; dental amalgams of gold; teeth
filling material; preparations to facilitate teething; dental impression materials; dental
lacquer; dental mastics; adhesives for dentures; dental cements; rubber for dental
purposes; porcelain for dental prostheses; precious metals and precious metal alloys
for use in dentistry; molding wax for dentists are various materials and preparations
used for stopping teeth and other dental treatments performed by professionals in the
dental industry. These goods are considered dissimilar to any of the opponent’s
goods in Class 3 since, in addition to having different methods of use and relevant
purposes, they will have completely different relevant publics and distribution
channels, professional in the case of the contested goods. The public will not expect
these specific goods meant for treatment of dental issues to originate from the same
undertaking as the opponent’s goods.
The contested sanitary towels; pants, absorbent, for incontinents; breast-nursing
pads; diapers for incontinents; belts for sanitary napkins [towels] are sanitary
products used for medical purposes. The contested bandages for dressings;
materials for dressings; solvents for removing adhesive plasters; adhesive tapes for
medical purposes; adhesive plasters; bunion pads; medicated compresses; eye
compresses; corn rings for the feet; dressings, medical; surgical dressings; gauze for
dressings; lint for medical purposes; moleskin for medical purposes; mustard
Decision on Opposition No B 2 644 808 page: 14 of 18
plasters; poultices; scapulars for surgical purposes; vulnerary sponges; medical
plasters; eyepatches for medical purposes; paper for mustard plasters are various
plasters and materials for dressings used for medical purposes. These goods differ
from the opponent’s goods in Class 3 as they have different natures, relevant
purposes and methods of use. Furthermore, they do not target the same public as
the contested goods herewith are directed at patients or persons with specific health
issues. In addition, the goods will be distributed through different distribution
channels, in particular pharmacies in the case of the contested goods, whereas the
opponent’s goods are rather available in supermarkets and drug stores meant for
general public. They are dissimilar.
The contested enzymes for veterinary purposes; glucose for medical purposes;
lactose for pharmaceutical purposes; lecithin for medical purposes; linseed meal for
pharmaceutical purposes; linseed for pharmaceutical purposes; mineral food
supplements; nutritional supplements; royal jelly for medical purposes; yeast for
pharmaceutical purposes are dietary supplements for humans and animals. The
contested food for babies; lacteal flour for babies are special food that is adapted for
consumption by infants and babies. The contested dietetic beverages adapted for
medical purposes; dietetic substances adapted for medical use; dietetic foods
adapted for medical purposes; starch for dietetic or pharmaceutical purposes; by-
products of the processing of cereals for dietetic or medical purposes; diabetic bread
adapted for medical use; slimming tea for medical purposes; slimming capsules; fish
meal for pharmaceutical purposes; albuminous preparations for medical purposes;
albuminous foodstuffs for medical purposes are dietetic food and substances
adapted for medical and veterinary use. These goods are dissimilar to the opponent’s
goods in Class 3 as they have no common points. While the contested goods are
meant for consumption by human and animals with special conditions or by patients
with health issues, the opponent’s cosmetics in Class 3 (by way of example) have a
rather cosmetic character and are products applied on the body instead of products
that are consumed. The goods will have different distribution channels, namely
cosmetics stores versus specialised dietetic or nutritional and supplementary stores,
or at least different product range section in the same store. In general, these goods
will target different publics which will not assume an identical origin since the goods
usually belong to two different industries, cosmetic industry versus pharmaceutical
and nutritional industry. Bearing in mind that the remaining goods of the opponent in
Class 3 are even remoter than that, all the contested goods from above are
considered dissimilar to any of the opponent’s goods.
The contested herbicides for agricultural purposes; acaricides; biocides; chemical
preparations for treating phylloxera; chemical preparations to treat wheat blight
[smut]; chemical preparations to treat mildew; pesticides; larvae exterminating
preparations; powder of cantharides; pyrethrum powder; slug exterminating
preparations; soil-sterilising preparations; tobacco extracts [insecticides]; vine
disease treating chemicals are various preparations for destroying pests, namely
insects and small animals which damage crops or food supplies, used in the
agriculture. These goods, unlike the opponent’s goods in Class 3, will be used by
professionals or general public with some knowledge in the pest control and will be
available through different distribution channels. These goods are considered
dissimilar to the opponent’s goods.
b) Relevant public — degree of attention
The average consumer of the category of products concerned is deemed to be
reasonably well informed and reasonably observant and circumspect. It should also
Decision on Opposition No B 2 644 808 page: 15 of 18
be borne in mind that the average consumer’s degree of attention is likely to vary
according to the category of goods or services in question.
In the present case, the goods found to be identical or similar to different degrees are
directed at the public at large, as well as at professional public with specific
professional knowledge or expertise, for instance medical, veterinary or agriculture
experts insofar goods in Class 5 are concerned. The degree of attention may vary
from average to high, depending on the specialised nature of the goods, the
frequency of purchase and their price. In particular, bearing in mind the importance of
some of the goods in Class 5 for human or animal health and wellness, a higher
degree of attention is presumed with regard to these goods.
c) The signs
911
Earlier trade mark Contested sign
The relevant territory is the European Union.
The global appreciation of the visual, aural or conceptual similarity of the marks in
question must be based on the overall impression given by the marks, bearing in
mind, in particular, their distinctive and dominant components (11/11/1997, C-251/95,
Sabèl, EU:C:1997:528, § 23).
The earlier mark is a word mark consisting of the three-digit number ‘911’ and the
contested sign is a figurative mark consisting of the same three-digit number, the
expression ‘ВАША СЛУЖБА СПАСЕНИЯ‘ depicted underneath in much smaller
upper case Cyrillic letters, both stylised in blue, and an additional curved line in red
following the element ‘911’.
The unitary character of the European Union trade mark means that an earlier
European Union trade mark can be relied on in opposition proceedings against any
application for registration of a European Union trade mark that would adversely
affect the protection of the first mark, even if only in relation to the perception of
consumers in part of the European Union (18/09/2008, C-514/06 P, Armafoam,
EU:C:2008:511, § 57). Therefore, a likelihood of confusion for only part of the
relevant public of the European Union is sufficient to reject the contested application.
The expression ‘ВАША СЛУЖБА СПАСЕНИЯ‘ (from Russian, ‘your rescue service’)
will be meaningful in certain territories, for example in those countries where the
relevant public may have a certain comprehension of Russian and/or by the
Bulgarian-speaking part of the public due to the proximity of the languages and given
the fact that the relevant public also uses the Cyrillic alphabet. Consequently, the
Opposition Division finds it appropriate to focus the comparison of the signs on the
part of the public for which the expression is meaningless, for instance on the public
speaking Latin-based languages such as the Spanish and French speakers.
Decision on Opposition No B 2 644 808 page: 16 of 18
The element ‘911’ contained in both signs has no meaning for the relevant public in
relation to any of the goods in question and is, therefore, distinctive.
Furthermore, the element ‘911’ in the contested sign together with the red curved line
depicted next to it is the dominant element as it is the most eye-catching. On the
contrary, the expression ‘ВАША СЛУЖБА СПАСЕНИЯ‘, due to its much smaller size
and a secondary position in the sign, as well as given the fact that it is meaningless
as a whole or most likely not readable for the relevant public, will catch less attention
or will not be paid any attention unlike the other, larger element, ‘911’.
Visually, the signs coincide in the three digits ‘911’. They differ in the additional
expression ‘ВАША СЛУЖБА СПАСЕНИЯ‘ and the different stylisation and figurative
elements of the contested sign. However, when signs consist of both verbal and
figurative components, in principle, the verbal component of the sign usually has a
stronger impact on the consumer than the figurative component. This is because the
public does not tend to analyse signs and will more easily refer to the signs in
question by their verbal element than by describing their figurative elements
(14/07/2005, T-312/03, Selenium-Ace, EU:T:2005:289, § 37). Furthermore, as
commented above, the relevant public will most likely not be able to read and
comprehend the entire expression written in Cyrillic and this, in addition to its less
eye-catching character, will contribute to the great focus of the public on the other
element, ‘911’. Therefore, the signs are visually highly similar.
Aurally, irrespective of the different pronunciation rules in different parts of the
relevant territory, the pronunciation of the signs coincides in the uttering of the three
digits, ‘9-1-1’, present identically in both signs; for instance, ‘nueve-uno-uno’ for the
Spanish speakers or ‘neuf-un-un’ for the French speakers. The Cyrillic word is
incomprehensible and illegible for the relevant consumers. Therefore, it has to be
treated the same way as a purely figurative element and it will not be pronounced.
Therefore, the signs are considered aurally i dentical.
Conceptually, reference is made to the previous assertions concerning the semantic
content conveyed by the marks. To the extent that the relevant public will see an
identical number, ‘911’, present in both of them, and will not be able to
read/understand the other element of the contested sign, the signs are conceptually
highly similar.
As the signs have been found similar in at least one aspect of the comparison, the
examination of likelihood of confusion will proceed.
d) Distinctiveness of the earlier mark
The distinctiveness of the earlier mark is one of the factors to be taken into account
in the global assessment of likelihood of confusion.
The opponent did not explicitly claim that its mark is particularly distinctive by virtue
of intensive use or reputation.
Consequently, the assessment of the distinctiveness of the earlier mark will rest on its
distinctiveness per se. In the present case, the earlier trade mark as a whole has no
meaning for any of the goods in question from the perspective of the public in the
relevant territory. Therefore, the distinctiveness of the earlier mark must be seen as
normal.
Decision on Opposition No B 2 644 808 page: 17 of 18
e) Global assessment, other arguments and conclusion
The goods are found partly identical and similar to different degrees and partly
dissimilar. The degree of attention of the relevant pubic will vary between average
and high to the extent that products with impact on human or animal health are
concerned. The earlier mark is considered to enjoy a normal degree of
distinctiveness in relation to the relevant goods in Class 3.
The signs are found visually and conceptually highly similar and aurally identical to
the extent that the contested sign entirely incorporates the earlier mark, namely the
element ‘911’, and given the lack of any meaning for the relevant public of the
expression written in Cyrillic, ‘ВАША СЛУЖБА СПАСЕНИЯ‘. As established above,
this additional element will be of a less importance to the overall perception of the
contested sign, firstly, due to its secondary character, in particular size- and position-
wise. Second, given the fact that it will bear no information or it will not be read at all
by the relevant Spanish and French consumers, it will be, in fact, completely
disregarded by an aural reference and may have a limited impact on a visual and
conceptual level. Account is taken of the fact that average consumers rarely have the
chance to make a direct comparison between different marks, but must trust in their
imperfect recollection of them (22/06/1999, C-342/97, Lloyd Schuhfabrik,
EU:C:1999:323, § 26). Even consumers who pay a high degree of attention need to
rely on their imperfect recollection of trade marks (21/11/2013, T-443/12, ancotel,
EU:T:2013:605, § 54).
Furthermore, likelihood of confusion covers situations where the consumer directly
confuses the trade marks themselves, or where the consumer makes a connection
between the conflicting signs and assumes that the goods/services covered are from
the same or economically linked undertakings. Indeed, it is highly conceivable that
the relevant consumer will perceive the contested mark incorporating the earlier mark
‘911’ and adding some elements and stylisation as a sub-brand, a variation of the
earlier mark, configured in a different way according to the type of goods that it
designates (23/10/2002, T-104/01, Fifties, EU:T:2002:262, § 49).
In addition, evaluating likelihood of confusion implies some interdependence between
the relevant factors and, in particular, a similarity between the marks and between
the goods or services. Therefore, a lesser degree of similarity between goods and
services may be offset by a greater degree of similarity between the marks and vice
versa (29/09/1998, C-39/97, Canon, EU:C:1998:442, § 17). In the present case, the
great similarities between the signs, demonstrated on a visual, aural and conceptual
level, will be sufficient to overcome the lesser similarity between some of the goods
as seen above.
Considering all the above, the Opposition Division finds that there is a likelihood of
confusion on the part of the Spanish- and French-speaking parts of the public and
therefore the opposition is partly well founded on the basis of the opponent’s
European Union trade mark registration. As stated above in section c) of this
decision, a likelihood of confusion for only part of the relevant public of the European
Union is sufficient to reject the contested application.
It follows from the above that the contested trade mark must be rejected for the
goods found to be identical or similar to different degrees to those of the earlier trade
mark.
Decision on Opposition No B 2 644 808 page: 18 of 18
The rest of the contested goods are dissimilar. As similarity of goods and services is
a necessary condition for the application of Article 8(1) EUTMR, the opposition based
on this Article and directed at these goods cannot be successful.
COSTS
According to Article 109(1) EUTMR, the losing party in opposition proceedings must
bear the fees and costs incurred by the other party. According to Article 109(3)
EUTMR, where each party succeeds on some heads and fails on others, or if
reasons of equity so dictate, the Opposition Division will decide a different
apportionment of costs.
Since the opposition is successful for only some of the contested goods both parties
have succeeded on some heads and failed on others. Consequently, each party has
to bear its own costs.
The Opposition Division
Volker MENSING Manuela RUSEVA Martin EBERL
According to Article 67 EUTMR, any party adversely affected by this decision has a
right to appeal against this decision. According to Article 68 EUTMR, notice of appeal
must be filed in writing at the Office within two months of the date of notification of
this decision. It must be filed in the language of the proceedings in which the decision
subject to appeal was taken. Furthermore, a written statement of the grounds for
appeal must be filed within four months of the same date. The notice of appeal will be
deemed to have been filed only when the appeal fee of EUR 720 has been paid.