November 2017. Each year, the European Trademark Office EUIPO receives hundreds of oppositions from trademark owners who believe that a new trademark is too similar to their own previously registered trademark. In all these cases, EUIPO must decide: is it too similar or not?

Opposition rulings

Below are examples of recent trademark disputes. They all centre on trademarks used for the same types of products or services. Do you think these trademarks are similar enough to present a risk of confusion? Test yourself and see if you come to the same conclusion as EUIPO.

Insufficient similarity. The trademark on the right can be registered (EUIPO decision of 24-10-17)

Risk of confusion. The clothing brand on the right was refused registration (EUIPO decision of 14-11-17)

Insufficient similarity. The trademark on the right can be registered (EUIPO decision of 15-11-17)

Likelihood of confusion. The black trademark on the right can’t be registered (EUIPO decision of 14-11-17)