62023TJ0447_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Seventh Chamber) of 11 December 2024 –Blue Underwriting Agency v EUIPO – Blue Assistance (blue is underwriting)
(Case T‑447/23)
(EU trade mark – Opposition proceedings – Application for EU figurative mark blue is underwriting – Earlier national figurative mark BLUE ASSISTANCE – 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 identical or similar earlier mark registered in respect of identical or similar goods or services – Likelihood of confusion with the earlier mark – Criteria for assessment – Coexistence of two marks on a given market – Effect
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 8(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 17, 18, 90, 91, 100)
2.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Relative grounds for refusal – Opposition by the proprietor of an identical or similar earlier mark registered in respect of identical or similar goods or services – Likelihood of confusion with the earlier mark – Assessment of the likelihood of confusion – Determination of the relevant public – Level of attention of the public
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 8(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 19-21)
3.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Relative grounds for refusal – Opposition by the proprietor of an identical or similar earlier mark registered in respect of identical or similar goods or services – Likelihood of confusion with the earlier mark – Figurative marks blue is underwriting and BLUE ASSISTANCE
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 8(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 28, 43, 71, 88, 99, 105)
4.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Relative grounds for refusal – Opposition by the proprietor of an identical or similar earlier mark registered in respect of identical or similar goods or services – Similarity between the goods or services concerned – Complementary nature of the goods
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 8(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 29, 30)
5.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Relative grounds for refusal – Opposition by the proprietor of an identical or similar earlier mark registered in respect of identical or similar goods or services – Similarity between the marks concerned – Criteria for assessment – Composite mark – Assessment of the distinctive character of an element of a trade mark
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 8(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 45-49)
6.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Assessment of the registrability of a sign – EU rules only taken into account – Earlier registration of the mark in certain Member States or third countries – Decisions not binding EU bodies
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001)
(see paragraphs 66, 97)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Blue Underwriting Agency Srl to pay the costs.