62021TJ0759_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Third Chamber) of 8 March 2023 –Société des produits Nestlé v EUIPO – The a2 Milk Company (A 2)
(Case T‑759/21) (
1
)
(EU trade mark – Opposition proceedings – International registration designating the European Union – Figurative mark A 2 – Earlier international registration – Figurative mark THE a2 MILK COMPANY THE a2 MILK COMPANY – Relative ground for refusal – Likelihood of confusion – Article 8(1)(b) 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 registered for identical or similar goods or services – Likelihood of confusion with the earlier mark – Criteria for assessment
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 8(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 18, 61)
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 registered for identical or similar goods or services – Likelihood of confusion with the earlier mark – Refusal to register where there is a relative ground for refusal, even if limited to part of the Union
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 8(1)(b))
(see paragraph 19)
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 registered for identical or similar goods or services – Likelihood of confusion with the earlier mark – Figurative marks A 2 and THE a2 MILK COMPANY THE a2 MILK COMPANY
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 8(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 34, 50, 57-60, 66-68, 70, 71)
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 registered for identical or similar goods or services – Similarity of the marks concerned – Criteria for assessment – Composite mark – Assessment of the distinctive character of an element of which a trade mark is composed
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 8(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 36, 51)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Société des produits Nestlé SA to pay the costs.
(
1
)	OJ C 37, 24.1.2022.