South Africa Case Law

Union-Swiss (Pty) Ltd v Bio-Cream Cosmetics CC; Union-Swiss (Pty) Ltd v Bio-Cream Cosmetics CC; Union-Swiss (Pty) Ltd v Bio-Cream Cosmetics CC and Another (56526/12, 2521/13, 54314/13)

Union-Swiss (Pty) Ltd v Bio-Cream Cosmetics CC; Union-Swiss (Pty) Ltd v Bio-Cream Cosmetics CC; Union-Swiss (Pty) Ltd v Bio-Cream Cosmetics CC and Another (56526/12, 2521/13, 54314/13) [2015] ZAGPPHC 1051; 2015 BIP 494 (GP) (17 July 2015)

Court

North Gauteng High Court, Pretoria

Case number

56526/12, 2521/13, 54314/13

Judge

C.P. Rabie

The court found BIO-LOTION’s get-up and mark likely to confuse consumers with BIO-OIL, granted passing-off relief, and ordered expungement of the BIO-LOTION registration.

• Passing Off
• Trade Mark Expungement
• Likelihood Of Confusion
• Distinctiveness Of Trademark
• Get Up Comparison
• Passing-off

Adidas AG and Another v Pepkor Retail Ltd (187/12)

Adidas AG and Another v Pepkor Retail Ltd (187/12) [2013] ZASCA 3; 2013 BIP 203 (SCA) (28 February 2013)

Court

Supreme Court of Appeal

Case number

187/12

Judges

Brand, Heher, Petse, Southwood, Erasmus

The Supreme Court of Appeal found that the respondent's use of four parallel stripes on certain footwear closely resembled the appellants' registered three-stripe trademarks in configuration, colour contrast, and placement, creating a likelihood of confusion or deception among consumers. The stripes were used as trademarks, not mere decoration, and the fame and distinctiveness of the appellants' marks increased the risk of confusion. The respondent's get-up on specific products constituted passing off, as the similarities in appearance and lack of clear distinguishing marks would likely misle…

Source excerpt

• Trade Mark Infringement
• Passing Off
• Likelihood Of Confusion
• Distinctiveness Of Trademark
• Damages Enquiry
• Get Up Comparison