62022TJ0384_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Sixth Chamber) of 25 October 2023 –Productos Ibéricos Calderón y Ramos v EUIPO – Hijos de Rivera (ESTRELLA DE CASTILLA)
(Case T‑384/22) (
1
)
(EU trade mark – Opposition proceedings – Application for EU figurative mark ESTRELLA DE CASTILLA – Earlier EU figurative mark Estrella Galicia – Relative ground for refusal – Detriment to reputation – Article 8(5) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001)
1.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Relative grounds for refusal – Opposition by the proprietor of an earlier identical or similar mark enjoying a reputation – Extension of protection of the earlier mark with a reputation to dissimilar goods or services – Conditions – Link between the marks – Criteria for assessment
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 8(5))
(see paragraphs 25, 26, 103, 121)
2.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Relative grounds for refusal – Opposition by the proprietor of an earlier identical or similar mark enjoying a reputation – Extension of protection of the earlier mark with a reputation to dissimilar goods or services – Conditions – Reputation of the mark in the Member State or in the European Union – Concept – Criteria for assessment
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 8(5))
(see paragraphs 28-30)
3.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Relative grounds for refusal – Opposition by the proprietor of an earlier identical or similar mark enjoying a reputation – Extension of protection of the earlier mark with a reputation to dissimilar goods or services – Conditions – Similarity between the marks concerned – Degree of similarity required
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 8(5))
(see paragraphs 38, 39)
4.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Relative grounds for refusal – Opposition by the proprietor of an earlier identical or similar mark enjoying a reputation – Extension of protection of the earlier mark with a reputation to dissimilar goods or services – Conditions – Similarity between the marks concerned – Criteria for assessment – Composite mark
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 8(5))
(see paragraphs 40, 43-47, 67, 82, 83, 85, 97)
5.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Relative grounds for refusal – Opposition by the proprietor of an earlier identical or similar mark enjoying a reputation – Extension of protection of the earlier mark with a reputation to dissimilar goods or services – Figurative marks ESTRELLA DE CASTILLA and Estrella Galicia
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 8(5))
(see paragraphs 77, 101, 117, 129, 136, 148, 167, 168)
6.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Relative grounds for refusal – Opposition by the proprietor of an earlier identical or similar mark enjoying a reputation – Extension of protection of the earlier mark with a reputation to dissimilar goods or services – Conditions – Taking unfair advantage of the distinctive character or repute of the earlier mark – Criteria for assessment
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 8(5))
(see paragraphs 137-140)
7.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Relative grounds for refusal – Opposition by the proprietor of an earlier identical or similar mark enjoying a reputation – Extension of protection of the earlier mark with a reputation to dissimilar goods or services – Proof to be adduced by proprietor – Future, non-hypothetical risk of unfair advantage or detriment
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 8(5))
(see paragraphs 141, 142)
8.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Relative grounds for refusal – Opposition by the proprietor of an earlier identical or similar mark enjoying a reputation – Extension of protection of the earlier mark with a reputation to dissimilar goods or services – Use of the trade mark sought without just grounds – Criteria for assessment
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 8(5))
(see paragraphs 150, 151, 164)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Productos Ibéricos Calderón y Ramos, SL to pay the costs.
(
1
)	OJ C 340, 5.9.2022.