1. 

EU trade mark – Procedural provisions – Examination of the facts of EUIPO’s own motion – Opposition proceedings – Examination restricted to the facts, evidence and arguments provided – Well-known facts taken into account

(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 95(1))

(see paragraphs 19, 25)

2. 

EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Relative grounds for refusal – Opposition by the proprietor of an earlier identical or similar mark registered for identical or similar goods or services – Likelihood of confusion with the earlier mark – Weak distinctive character of the earlier mark – Effect

(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 8(1)(b))

(see paragraphs 32, 34, 108-110, 119, 121)

3. 

EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Relative grounds for refusal – Opposition by the proprietor of an earlier identical or similar mark registered for identical or similar goods or services – Likelihood of confusion with the earlier mark – Refusal to register where there is a relative ground for refusal, even if limited to part of the Union

(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 8(1)(b))

(see paragraph 33)

4. 

EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Relative grounds for refusal – Opposition by the proprietor of an earlier identical or similar mark registered for identical or similar goods or services – Likelihood of confusion with the earlier mark – Assessment of the likelihood of confusion – Determination of the relevant public – Attention level of the public

(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 8(1)(b))

(see paragraph 40)

5. 

EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Relative grounds for refusal – Opposition by the proprietor of an earlier identical or similar mark registered for identical or similar goods or services – Likelihood of confusion with the earlier mark – Figurative marks YOGA ALLIANCE INDIA INTERNATIONAL and yoga ALLIANCE

(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 8(1)(b))

(see paragraphs 48-50, 76, 88, 94, 103, 113, 122, 123)

6. 

EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Relative grounds for refusal – Opposition by the proprietor of an earlier identical or similar mark registered for identical or similar goods or services – Similarity of the marks concerned – Criteria for assessment – Composite mark – Assessment of the distinctive character of an element of which a trade mark is composed

(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 8(1)(b))

(see paragraphs 58, 59, 68-71)

1. 

Dismisses the action;

2. 

Orders YAplus DBA Yoga Alliance to pay the costs.