B9 9682. Gerecht EU, 18 mei 2011, IIC – Intersport International Corp. GmbH tegen OHIM/ The McKenzie Corporation
Merkenrecht. Oppositieprocedure o.g.v. oudere Gemeenschapswoord- en beeldmerken McKinly tegen aanvraag Gemeenschapsbeeldmerk McKenzie (kleding). Oppositie afgewezen: “the goods in question, and therefore the marks which are affixed to them, are visually perceived by consumers” en juist de visuele overeenstemming is onvoldoende om verwarringsgevaar aannemelijk te maken.
49 (…) the elements of visual and phonetic similarity are not sufficient to create a likelihood of confusion (…)
50. The goods coming within Classes 18 and 25 which are covered by the trade mark application are sold through the usual distribution channels for clothes, shoes and clothing accessories, namely shops. The relevant public will therefore evaluate them visually. Moreover, while oral communication concerning the goods and the mark cannot be excluded, the choice of an item of clothing, pair of shoes or clothing accessory is generally made by looking at them. Therefore, the visual perception of the marks in question will generally occur prior to purchase. The visual aspect is, for that reason, of greater importance in the overall assessment of the likelihood of confusion (Joined Cases T‑117/03 to T‑119/03 and T‑171/03 New Look v OHMI – Naulover (NLSPORT, NLJEANS, NLACTIVE et NLCollection) [2004] ECR II‑3471, paragraph 50).
Lees het arrest hier.
