1. 

EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Relative grounds for refusal – Opposition by the proprietor of an identical or similar earlier mark registered in respect of identical or similar goods or services – Likelihood of confusion with the earlier mark – Criteria for assessment

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

(see paragraphs 19, 20)

2. 

EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Relative grounds for refusal – Opposition by the proprietor of an identical or similar earlier mark registered in respect of identical or similar goods or services – Similarity between the goods or services in question – Criteria for assessment – Complementary nature of the goods or services

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

(see paragraphs 21, 33, 34)

3. 

EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Relative grounds for refusal – Opposition by the proprietor of an identical or similar earlier mark registered in respect of identical or similar goods or services – Likelihood of confusion with the earlier mark – Figurative marks ECE QUALITY OF LIFE and ECE

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

(see paragraphs 35-37, 43-49)

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 enjoying a reputation – Extension of protection of the earlier mark with a reputation to dissimilar goods or services – Conditions – Link between the marks – Criteria for assessment

(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 8(5))

(see paragraphs 54-56)

5. 

EU trade mark – Appeals procedure – Action before the EU judicature – Modification of the terms of the dispute as brought before the Board of Appeal – Not permissible

(Rules of Procedure of the General Court, Art. 188)

(see paragraph 62)

1. 

Dismisses the action;

2. 

Orders ECE Group GmbH & Co. KG to pay the costs.