Game, set and match: trade mark application defeat for Dogmatch

Posted: 30/06/2020

The EUIPO opposition division (OD) recently upheld an opposition by Match Group (Match) against Fönstria AB’s (Fönstria) EU trade mark application for the figurative mark shown below (the contested sign) in classes 35, 38 and 45.

Match invoked Article 8(5) EUTMR (among other grounds) claiming a reputation in its EU trade mark registration for the word mark MATCH.COM in class 42 (the Match mark) and arguing that use of the contested sign would take unfair advantage of, or be detrimental to, the distinctive character or repute of the Match mark.

Convincing evidence

In doing so, Match filed a “vast” amount of evidence (much of which was confidential in nature) in support of its reputation in the Match mark for “information and consultancy services in the nature and field of online dating and introduction services” in class 42. This evidence, the majority of which related to Match’s UK operations, demonstrated use of the Match mark over a substantial period, a substantial market share, extensive press coverage, significant advertising campaigns, and very large turnover, subscriber and viewer figures.

On the basis of the UK’s size and population, the OD concluded that Match’s evidence was sufficient (in geographical terms) to demonstrate a high degree of recognition among the relevant public in the EU, especially in the UK, for the services mentioned above.

Similarity

Having established a reputation, the OD then went on to hold that the marks in question were visually, aurally and conceptually similar to at least an average degree, and that, considering the high degree of recognition enjoyed by the Match mark, it was “likely that the relevant consumer would link the contested sign to [MATCH.COM], as [it] could be seen as referring to a specific type or a segment of the services offered under [MATCH.COM]”.

Indeed, the extent of the Match mark’s reputation was such that this link was held to apply to all of the services covered by the contested sign (including, by way of example, advertising services in class 35 and animal adoption services in class 45), and not just those relating expressly to social networking and chatroom services.

Turning to the issue of unfair advantage, the OD concluded that the Match mark’s image would be transferred to the applicant’s services and the contested sign would therefore exploit the attractive powers and distinctiveness of the Match mark, thereby giving the applicant an unfair advantage/boost by free-riding on the considerable reputation of the Match mark.

Consequently, the OD upheld the opposition under Article 8(5) EUTMR and did not go on to consider any other grounds for reasons of procedural economy.

Key points

• This case presents a useful reminder of the type and volume of evidence required to establish a reputation, and shows that evidence of a reputation in a single EU member state can be sufficient.
• Rights owners should retain detailed, dated evidence and records showing the use and reputation of their registered trade marks across all relevant markets and territories.
• After the Brexit transition period, UK-only rights and reputation will no longer be invocable against EU trade marks.

This article was published in CITMA Review in June 2020.

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