The problem of re-registered identical trademarks in Europe in view of the recent pelicantravel.com-decision of the European Court of Justice

1. Re-registered Identical Trademarks, Dr. Rolf Claessen, Patent Attorneys Freischem
www.freischem.eu
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2. Re-registered Identical Trademarks, Dr. Rolf Claessen, Patent Attorneys Freischem
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The view from our office

3. Re-registered Identical Trademarks, Dr. Rolf Claessen, Patent Attorneys Freischem
www.freischem.eu
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Orange S.A.

4. Re-registered Identical Trademarks, Dr. Rolf Claessen, Patent Attorneys Freischem
www.freischem.eu
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Orange S.A.
• belongs to France Telecom
• 47 billion EUR revenue (2010)
• 170.000 employees (2010)

5. Re-registered Identical Trademarks, Dr. Rolf Claessen, Patent Attorneys Freischem
www.freischem.eu
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Orange S.A.
• ORANGE (DE2906299) 1994 classes 9, 38

6. Re-registered Identical Trademarks, Dr. Rolf Claessen, Patent Attorneys Freischem
www.freischem.eu
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Orange S.A.
• ORANGE (DE2906299) 1994 classes 9, 38
• ORANGE (EM000127837) 1996 classes 9, … , 35, 36, 37, 38, 41, 42

7. Re-registered Identical Trademarks, Dr. Rolf Claessen, Patent Attorneys Freischem
www.freischem.eu
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Orange S.A.
• ORANGE (DE2906299) 1994 classes 9, 38
• ORANGE (EM000127837) 1996 classes 9, ..., 35, 36, 37, 38, 41, 42
• ORANGE (EM000127902) 1996 classes 9, ..., 35, 36, 37, 38, 41, 42

8. Re-registered Identical Trademarks, Dr. Rolf Claessen, Patent Attorneys Freischem
www.freischem.eu
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Orange S.A.
• ORANGE (DE2906299) 1994 classes 9, 38
• ORANGE (EM000127837) 1996 classes 9, ..., 35, 36, 37, 38, 41, 42
• ORANGE (EM000127902) 1996 classes 9, ..., 35, 36, 37, 38, 41, 42
• ORANGE (IR702506) 1998 classes 9, 38

9. Re-registered Identical Trademarks, Dr. Rolf Claessen, Patent Attorneys Freischem
www.freischem.eu
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Orange S.A.
• ORANGE (DE2906299) 1994 classes 9, 38
• ORANGE (EM000127837) 1996 classes 9, ..., 35, 36, 37, 38, 41, 42
• ORANGE (EM000127902) 1996 classes 9, ..., 35, 36, 37, 38, 41, 42
• ORANGE (IR702506) 1998 classes 9, 38
• ORANGE (EM001079169) 1999 classes 3, 5, 9, ..., 38, ..., 42

10. Re-registered Identical Trademarks, Dr. Rolf Claessen, Patent Attorneys Freischem
www.freischem.eu
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Orange S.A.
• ORANGE (DE2906299) 1994 classes 9, 38
• ORANGE (EM000127837) 1996 classes 9, 16, 18, 25, 35, 36, 37, 38, 41, 42
• ORANGE (EM000127902) 1996 classes 9, 16, 18, 25, 35, 36, 37, 38, 41, 42
• ORANGE (IR702506) 1998 classes 9, 38
• ORANGE (EM001079169) 1999 classes 3, 5, 9, 14, ..., 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42
• ORANGE (IR715855) 1999 classes 9, 16, 18, 25, 35, 36, 37, 38, 41, 42
• ORANGE (EM001619386) 2000 classes 9, 12, 38
• ORANGE (IR790992) 2001 classes 9, 16, 18, 25, 28, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42
• ORANGE (EM002810281) 2002 classes 38, 39, 41
• ORANGE (EM005200861) 2006 classes 9, 38, 42, 44, 45
• ORANGE (DE3020090676534), 2009 classes 9, 35, 38, 41, 42
• ORANGE (EM008164791) 2009 classes 9, 14, ..., 25, 26, 28, 30, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45
• ORANGE (EM008164758) 2009 classes 14, 18, 21, 26, 28, 30, 35, 36, 38, 39, 41, 43
• ORANGE (EM009300955) 2010 classes 9, 16, 35, 36, 38, 41, 42
• ORANGE (IR1154710) 2012 classes 9, 35, 36, 37, 38, 42, 44
• ORANGE (EM011428372) 2012 classes 9, 35, 36, 37, 38, 42, 44
• ORANGE (EM011428323) 2012 classes 9, 35, 36, 37, 38, 42, 44

11. Re-registered Identical Trademarks, Dr. Rolf Claessen, Patent Attorneys Freischem
www.freischem.eu
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Orange EM011428323 – class 9 - 2012
Class 9: Electrical and electronic communications and telecommunications apparatus and instruments; communications and
telecommunications apparatus and instruments; electrical and electronic apparatus and instruments all for processing, logging, storing,
transmission, retrieval or reception of data; apparatus and instruments for recording, transmission, amplifying or reproduction of sound, images,
information or encoded data; cameras; photographic apparatus, instruments and equipment; image processing apparatus, instruments and
equipment; bar code scanners and readers; television and radio apparatus and instruments; telecommunication, radio and television
broadcasting transmitters and receivers; apparatus for access to broadcast or transmitted programmes; holograms; computers; peripheral
equipment for computers; programmed-data-carrying electronic circuits; computer programs; computer software; discs, tapes and wires all
being magnetic data carriers; printed circuit boards; blank and pre-recorded magnetic cards; data cards; memory cards; smart cards; cards
containing microprocessors; integrated circuit cards; electronic identification cards; telephone cards; telephone credit cards; credit cards; debit
cards; cards for electronic games designed for use with telephones; CD ROMS; magnetic, digital and optical data carriers; magnetic, digital and
optical data recording and storage media (blank and pre-recorded); USB flash drives; computer software supplied from the Internet;
downloadable ringtones for mobile phones; electronic publications (downloadable) provided on-line from computer databases or the Internet;
computer software and telecommunications apparatus (including modems) to enable connection to databases, local area networks and the
Internet; computer software to enable teleconferencing, videoconferencing and videophone services; computer software to enable searching
and retrieval of data; computer software for accessing databases, telecommunications services, computer networks and electronic bulletin
boards; computer games software; downloadable music files; devices for playing downloadable music files; portable media players; photographs,
pictures, graphics, image files, sound bites, films, videos and audio-visual programmes (downloadable) provided on-line or from computer
databases or the Internet or Internet websites; remote monitoring apparatus and instruments; computer software for use in remote monitoring;
satellite transmitters and receivers; telecommunications and broadcasting satellites; radio telephone beacons and telephone masts; electric
wires and cables; optical cables; resistance wires; electrodes; telecommunications systems and installations; terminals for telephone networks;
telephone switchboards; telecommunications signal input, storage, conversion and processing apparatus; telephone equipment; equipment for
fixed, transportable, mobile, hands-free or voice-activated telephones; multimedia terminals; interactive terminals for displaying and ordering
goods and services; paging, radio paging and radio-telephone apparatus and instruments; telephones, mobile telephones and telephone
handsets; facsimile machines; personal digital assistants (PDAs); electronic notepads; electronic notebooks; electronic tablets; electronic
handheld units for the wireless receipt, storage and/or transmission of data and messages; mobile electronic devices that enable the user to
keep track of or manage personal information; accessories for telephones and telephone handsets; adapters for use with telephones; battery
chargers for use with telephones; desk or car mounted units incorporating a loudspeaker to allow a telephone handset to be used hands-free; in-
car telephone handset cradles; bags and cases specially adapted for holding or carrying portable telephones and telephone equipment and
accessories; cell phone straps; computerised personal organisers; aerials; batteries; micro processors; key boards; modems; calculators; display
screens; electronic global positioning systems; electronic navigational, tracking and positioning apparatus and instruments; monitoring (other
than in-vivo monitoring) apparatus and instruments; radio apparatus and instruments; electrical control, testing (other than in-vivo testing),
signalling, checking (supervision) and teaching apparatus and instruments; optical and electro-optical apparatus and instruments; video films;
audio-visual apparatus and equipment; electrical and electronic accessories and peripheral equipment designed and adapted for use with
computers and audio-visual apparatus; parts and fittings for all the aforesaid goods.
electrodes

12. Re-registered Identical Trademarks, Dr. Rolf Claessen, Patent Attorneys Freischem
www.freischem.eu
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Orange EM011428323 – class 9

13. Re-registered Identical Trademarks, Dr. Rolf Claessen, Patent Attorneys Freischem
www.freischem.eu
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Orange – electrode manufacturer

14. Re-registered Identical Trademarks, Dr. Rolf Claessen, Patent Attorneys Freischem
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Conflict History
Orange medical supplies files trademark ORANGE for electrodes
Orange (Telco) opposes trademark ORANGE for electrodes
Orange (Telco) sues Orange medical supplies successfully
Orange medical supplies has to
...find a new name and
... pay damages (all profits) to Orange (Telco)

15. Re-registered Identical Trademarks, Dr. Rolf Claessen, Patent Attorneys Freischem
www.freischem.eu
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Why is this possible in Europe/Germany?
• Trademark owners in Europe can litigate
trademarks for goods and services
without proof of use within the first 5
years after registration

16. Re-registered Identical Trademarks, Dr. Rolf Claessen, Patent Attorneys Freischem
www.freischem.eu
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Re-registered identical trademarks - OHIM
• Re-registered identical trademarks are
generally considered filed in bad faith
• Subject to cancellation – cancellation
proceedings
• When are trademarks considered
identical?
• Identity of signs
• Identity of goods and services

17. Re-registered Identical Trademarks, Dr. Rolf Claessen, Patent Attorneys Freischem
www.freischem.eu
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Re-registered identical trademarks - OHIM
• Why are re-registered identical
trademarks generally considered filed in
bad faith
• Filed to avoid the 5 year grace period,
where the trademarks can be litigated
without proof of use

18. Re-registered Identical Trademarks, Dr. Rolf Claessen, Patent Attorneys Freischem
www.freischem.eu
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Re-registered identical trademarks - OHIM
• When does this become relevant?
• Registration process: no
• Opposition:
• 2nd Board of appeals: no
• 4th Board of appeals: yes,
requirement of use
• Cancellation: yes, bad faith

19. Re-registered Identical Trademarks, Dr. Rolf Claessen, Patent Attorneys Freischem
www.freischem.eu
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ECJ T-136/11- pelicantravel.com
• Pelicantravel.com, opposed based on
• Registered for various travel services
• History: Opposition, Appeal

20. Re-registered Identical Trademarks, Dr. Rolf Claessen, Patent Attorneys Freischem
www.freischem.eu
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ECJ T-136/11- pelicantravel.com

21. Re-registered Identical Trademarks, Dr. Rolf Claessen, Patent Attorneys Freischem
www.freischem.eu
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ECJ T-136/11- pelicantravel.com
• Is this sign
• identical to this sign?
• ECJ: not identical, slight alterations not
necessarily sign of bad faith, sign of
modernatization of corporate identity
scheme

22. Re-registered Identical Trademarks, Dr. Rolf Claessen, Patent Attorneys Freischem
www.freischem.eu
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ECJ T-136/11- pelicantravel.com
• What do we learn from this decision?
• Re-registered identical trademarks
relevant during opposition
• Identity of signs probably neccessary
• Otherwise, file cancellation action

23. Re-registered Identical Trademarks, Dr. Rolf Claessen, Patent Attorneys Freischem
www.freischem.eu
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ECJ T-136/11- pelicantravel.com
• Recommendations for owners of re-
registered identical trademarks
• Variation in the jurisdiction of
trademarks (DE, CTM, …)
• Alter sign just slightly
• Alter goods or services just slightly

24. Re-registered Identical Trademarks, Dr. Rolf Claessen, Patent Attorneys Freischem
www.freischem.eu
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ECJ T-136/11- pelicantravel.com
• Recommendations for the defense
against re-registered identical
trademarks
• Opposition: try to defend with non-use
of earlier mark
• In any case: file cancellation action
based on bad faith

25. Re-registered Identical Trademarks, Dr. Rolf Claessen, Patent Attorneys Freischem
www.freischem.eu
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Patents, Trademarks, Designs in Europe
www.freischem.eu
Patents, Trademarks, Designs – in Europe
www.freischem.eu