Copal Tree Brands v EUIPO - Sumol + Compal Marcas (COPALLI) (EU trade mark - Judgment) [2022] EUECJ T-445/21 (30 March 2022)

Copal Tree Brands v EUIPO - Sumol + Compal Marcas (COPALLI) (EU trade mark - Judgment) [2022] EUECJ T-445/21 (30 March 2022)

The marks COPALLI and COMPAL are visually and phonetically similar to an average degree; the earlier mark COMPAL has a very strong reputation for fruit drinks and fruit juices in Portugal; there is proximity between the goods (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages) as they are often marketed and consumed together;...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2022] EUECJ T-445/21
Parties
Applicant: Copal Tree Brands, Inc.; Respondent: European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO); Intervener: Sumol + Compal Marcas SA
Jurisdiction
European Union
Procedural Posture
EU Trade Mark Opposition Appeal / Judgment of the General Court (tenth Chamber)
Outcome
Action dismissed
Legal Topics
Trade Marks, Opposition Proceedings, Reputation of Earlier Mark, Unfair Advantage, Distinctive Character, Likelihood of Confusion
Intellectual Property Law European Union Law Trade Marks Opposition Proceedings Reputation of Earlier Mark Unfair Advantage Distinctive Character Likelihood of Confusion

Source-derived case record

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Downloadable case file Legal principles 5 Authorities cited 18 Party arguments 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Copal Tree Brands, Inc.

Applicant

European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO)

Respondent

Sumol + Compal Marcas SA

Intervener

Procedural Posture

EU Trade Mark Opposition Appeal / Judgment of the General Court (tenth Chamber)

  1. 1 Whether the marks COPALLI and COMPAL are similar under Article 8(5) of Regulation 2017/1001
  2. 2 Whether use of COPALLI would take unfair advantage of or be detrimental to the distinctive character or repute of COMPAL

Ratio Decidendi

The marks COPALLI and COMPAL are visually and phonetically similar to an average degree; the earlier mark COMPAL has a very strong reputation for fruit drinks and fruit juices in Portugal; there is proximity between the goods (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages) as they are often marketed and consumed together; the use of COPALLI would take unfair advantage of the distinctive character or repute of COMPAL; the Board of Appeal did not err in its assessment.

Court Disposition

Action dismissed

Orders

  • Dismisses the action
  • Orders Copal Tree Brands, Inc. to pay the costs