Refusal of application for a European Union trade mark

(Article 7 EUTMR and Rule 11(3) EUTMIR)

Alicante, 01/02/2017

Alexander Alexandrov

6 ''Tsar Kaloyan" Street, Rila Hotel, floor 2, office 202

1000 Sofia

BULGARIA

Application No:	015996721
Your reference:
Trade mark:
Mark type:	Figurative mark
Applicant:	Alexander Alexandrov 6 ''Tsar Kaloyan" Street, Rila Hotel, floor 2, office 202 1000 Sofia BULGARIA Elena Dimova-Mushmova 6 'Tsar Kaloyan' Street, Rila Hotel, floor 2, office 202 1000 Sofia BULGARIA

The Office raised an objection on 25/11/2016 pursuant to Article 7(1)(b) and (c) EUTMR and Article 7(2) EUTMR because it found that the trade mark applied for is descriptive and devoid of any distinctive character, for the reasons set out in the attached letter.

The applicant submitted its observations on 22/12/2016, which may be summarised as follows:

1. The Examiner claims that in view of the meanings extracted from the dictionary for each of the elements composing the mark, the relevant consumer will understand the words as a meaningful expression: an expert/a consultant in public procurement law. However, search results for “ZOPEXPERT” in Google Bulgaria (google.bg) show only one result related to the Public Procurement Act and the domain name displayed belongs to the applicant. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that the expression is used in a descriptive way with respect to services in Classes 41 and 45.

2. The examiner claims that the figurative elements will be seen as merely reinforcing the descriptive meaning of the verbal elements. The colours and the device above the verbal elements are distinctive enough and do not show any specific meaning.

3. The relationship between the mark and the services in question is not sufficiently direct and specific... The applicant submits that the relationship between the expression and the figurative elements, and the goods and services applied for is too tenuous and indeterminate to confer on the expression a descriptive character.

4. At least several intellectual steps would be required from an average European consumer to conclude that the mark applied for indicates that the services in question are the services for providing legal or consultancy services with regard to the public procurement law. The applicant claims that the mark applied for does not enable the potential consumer to identify immediately and accurately whether the services offered under the mark have any specific characteristics.

5. Apart from the descriptiveness arguments, which the examiner uses as a basis for his conclusion that the mark falls within Article 7(1)(b), there are no reasons in the notice, which would support non-distinctiveness of the application.

Pursuant to Article 75 EUTMR, it is up to the Office to take a decision based on reasons or evidence on which the applicant has had an opportunity to present its comments.

After giving due consideration to the applicant’s arguments, the Office has decided to maintain the objection.

Under Article 7(1)(c) EUTMR, ‘trade marks which consist exclusively of signs or indications which may serve, in trade, to designate the kind, quality, quantity, intended purpose, value, geographical origin or the time of production of the goods or of rendering of the service, or other characteristics of the goods or service’ are not to be registered.

It is settled case-law that each of the grounds for refusal to register listed in Article 7(1) EUTMR is independent and requires separate examination. Moreover, it is appropriate to interpret those grounds for refusal in the light of the general interest underlying each of them. The general interest to be taken into consideration must reflect different considerations according to the ground for refusal in question (16/09/2004, C‑329/02 P, SAT/2, EU:C:2004:532, § 25).

By prohibiting the registration as European Union trade marks of the signs and indications to which it refers, Article 7(1)(c) EUTMR

pursues an aim which is in the public interest, namely that descriptive signs or indications relating to the characteristics of goods or services in respect of which registration is sought may be freely used by all. That provision accordingly prevents such signs and indications from being reserved to one undertaking alone because they have been registered as trade marks.

(23/10/2003, C‑191/01 P, Doublemint, EU:C:2003:579, § 31).

‘The signs and indications referred to in Article 7(1)(c) [EUTMR] are those which may serve in normal usage from the point of view of the target public to designate, either directly or by reference to one of their essential characteristics, the goods or service in respect of which registration is sought’ (26/11/2003, T‑222/02, Robotunits, EU:T:2003:315, § 34).

According to the applicant the expression ‘ZOPEXPERT’ is not used in a descriptive way and there are no search results in Google Bulgaria related to the public procurement law (aside from the applicant’s own domain).

The Examination Division notes that the expression ‘ZOPEXPERT’ is grammatically correct and fully understandable by the relevant Bulgarian-speaking public. First of all, it is clearly visually divisible into ‘ZOP’ and ‘EXPERT’, which is the transliteration in Latin script of the Bulgarian words ‘ЗОП’ and ‘ЕКСПЕРТ’. Secondly, as known to the applicant itself, Bulgarian consumers are very well acquainted with Latin characters and are able to read them. Bulgarians are regularly exposed to godos/services bearing trade marks in Latin characters. Even the Bulgarian Patent Office accepts registration of word marks, within one trade mark application, of a term written in Cyrillic alphabet and its transliteration in Latin characters. Since 1999 the names of each Bulgarian citizen are written in their identity cards in Cyrillic and Latin characters. Latin alphabet is used to such an extent that it is highly unlikely that there are any Bulgarians who are unable to read Latin characters. Taking into account these facts, it remains without doubt that the relevant consumers will be able to understand the meanings of the conjoined words ‘ZOP’ and ‘EXPERT’ as ‘public procurement law’ and ‘an expert, specialist’. Consequently, the expression ‘ZOPEXPERT’ is a mere combination of descriptive terms and it will be understood as a meaningful expression, namely: expert/specialist in public procurement law.

Contrary to the claim of the applicant and as pointed out in the initial objection letter of the Examination Division, the expression ‘ZOPEXPERT’, taken as a whole immediately informs consumers without further reflection that the goods and services applied for consisting of various printed matter (Class 16), education and training services, conferences and seminars (Class 41), legal, advisory and expert consultancy services (Class 45), are created, manufactured or provided by specialists in the field of public procurement law. In relation to the goods in Class 16 and the services in Class 41 the expression applied for may serve as an indication of the subject matter and possible content of the respective goods and services, for example that they are on the subject of (expertise in) public procurement law. As mentioned in the previous communication of the Examination Division, with regard to the goods and services, the notion ‘expert’ („експерт“) normally describes a quality conforming to the standards and requirements for specialists in the respective field (judgment of 18/11/2014, T-484/13, THE YOUTH EXPERTS, EU:T:2014:963, § 42, 57).

Therefore, this expression contains obvious, easily understandable and direct information on the nature/type, quality and subject matter of the goods and services in question. The expression does not create an impression which is sufficiently far removed from that produced by the mere combination of meanings lent by the elements of which it is composed. Contrary to the arguments of the applicant, there is no mental step required, and nothing vague, fanciful or indeterminate about it. The word combination ‘ZOPEXPERT’ is clearly descriptive and therefore necessarily non-distinctive within the meaning of 7(1)(b) EUTMR. Consequently, it is considered that the connection between the goods and services and the expression ‘ZOPEXPERT’ is not sufficiently indirect to endow the mark with the necessary level of inherent distinctiveness.

In relation to the comment of the applicant that search results for “ZOPEXPERT” in Google Bulgaria (google.bg) show only one result related to the public procurement law and the domain name displayed belongs to the applicant, it must be mentioned that the fact that no other competitors make use of the same combination is irrelevant. ‘The distinctive character of a trade mark is determined on the basis of the fact that that mark can be immediately perceived by the relevant public as designating the commercial origin of the goods or service in question … The lack of prior use cannot automatically indicate such a perception.’ (15/09/2005, T‑320/03, Live richly, EU:T:2005:325, § 88).

As for the argument of the applicant in relation to the figurative elements contained in the mark, while it is acknowledged that the presence of figurative elements may give distinctive character to a sign consisting of a descriptive and/or non-distinctive word element(s) so as to render it eligible for registration as a EUTM, it must be noted that in the present case these elements are not sufficient to enable the mark to reach the minimum degree of distinctive character that is requested for registration.

This is because the figurative elements are not catchy or unusual. The font of the letters is rather standard, the use of colours is common in trade and would not be seen as a badge of origin and, in the present case, there is no unusual or a particular arrangement of colours that could easily be remembered by the relevant consumer. Finally, the device element above the words consisting of a tick in a circle will be merely seen as a badge of approval or conformity. This element is quite banal and does not produce any noticeable impact on the distinctiveness of the mark. Consequently, the figurative elements used are not capable to divert the consumer’s attention from the descriptive/non-distinctive message conveyed by the latter. In the case at hand, none of the elements included in the trade mark, either taken individually or taken in their combination as a whole, are sufficient to endow the trade mark applied for with the necessary minimum degree of distinctive character.

As regards the comment of the applicant in relation to Article 7(1)(b) EUTMR, it must be repeated that according to the case-law of the Court of Justice, the fact that a sign is composed of generic words that inform the public of a characteristic of the goods/services leads to the conclusion that the sign is devoid of distinctive character (19/09/2002, C‑104/00 P, Companyline, EU:C:2002:506, § 21). This is clearly applicable to the present case.

Regarding the assessment of the distinctive character of the mark for which registration is sought, it is necessary, in the case of a complex trade mark, to consider it as a whole. However, that does not preclude prior examination of each of the trade mark's individual features. In the case at issue, none of the elements included in the trade mark, either taken individually or taken in their combination as a whole, are sufficient to endow the trade mark applied for with the necessary minimum degree of distinctive character.

For the abovementioned reasons, and pursuant to Article 7(1)(b) and (c) EUTMR and Article 7(2) EUTMR, the application for European Union trade mark No 15 996 721 is hereby rejected for the following goods and services:

Class 16 Правни бележници; Печатни произведения; Образователни издания; Печатни доклади за проучвания; Печатни записки от семинари; Печатни лекции; Печатни материали за обучение; Печатни материали с учебна цел; Печатни публикации; Правни дайджести; Правни доклади.

[Legal pads; Printed matter; Educational publications; Printed research reports; Printed seminar notes; Printed lectures; Printed training materials; Printed matter for instructional purposes; Printed publications; Law digests; Law reports].

Class 41 Образование и обучение; Консултантски услуги във връзка с образование и обучение; Консултантски услуги, свързани с обучение; Курсове за обучение (предоставяне); Курсове (обучение), свързани с право; Образователни академични услуги; Образователни и обучителни услуги във връзка с бизнес управление; Образователни консултантски услуги; Образователни курсове; Образователни семинари; Образователни услуги за възрастни, свързани с право; Обучение; Обучение за напреднали; Обучение и преподаване; Обучение по право; Обучение, ръководене на семинари; Обучение, свързано с предоставянето на правни услуги; Организиране и провеждане на обучителни семинари; Организиране и провеждане на образователни курсове; Организиране и провеждане на семинари; Организиране на изнасяне на лекции; Организиране на семинари; Организиране на работни срещи; Организиране на обучение; Организиране на семинари с образователни цели; Организиране на семинари, свързани с обучение; Организиране на събирания за образователни цели; Организиране на уъркшопове и семинари; Осигуряване на продължаващи правни образователни курсове; Планиране на семинари с образователни цели; Планиране на лекции за образователни цели; Планиране на конференции за образователни цели; Правни образователни услуги; Предоставяне на курсове за последващо обучение; Предоставяне на образователни курсове; Предоставяне на обучение, образование и подготовка; Предоставяне на онлайн обучителни семинари; Предоставяне на онлайн ръководства; Преподавателски услуги; Провеждане на курсове, семинар и обучения; Провеждане на образователни курсове; Провеждане на обучителни курсове; Провеждане на практически семинари [обучение]; Разпространение на образователни материали; Семинари; Следдипломни курсове за обучение; Уреждане на професионални работни срещи и курсове за обучение; Организиране на конференции, изложения и конкурси; Консултантски и информационни услуги във връзка с уреждането, провеждането и организирането на конгреси; Консултантски и информационни услуги във връзка с уреждането, провеждането и организирането на конференции; Организиране и провеждане на конгреси; Организиране и провеждане на конференции; Организиране и провеждане на конференции и семинари; Организиране и провеждане на конференции и конгреси; Организиране на годишна конференция, свързана с възлагане на обществени поръчки; Организиране на конференции; Организиране на конференции за образователни цели; Организиране на семинари и конференции; Организиране на срещи и конференции; Предоставяне на информация за конгреси; Уреждане, провеждане и организиране на конгреси; Уреждане, провеждане и организиране на конференции; Уреждане, провеждане и организиране на семинари; Аудиовизуални презентации на екран; Организиране на уебинари.

[Education and instruction; Education and training consultancy; Consultancy services relating to training; Provision of training courses; Courses (Training -) relating to law; Education academy services; Education and training services in relation to business management; Educational advisory services; Workshops for training purposes; Educational seminars; Adult education services relating to law; Training; Advanced training; Training and instruction; Tuition in law; Conducting of instructional seminars; Training relating to the provision of legal services; Arranging and conducting of training seminars; Arranging and conducting of educational courses; Arranging and conducting of seminars; Arranging of lectures; Organisation of seminars; Arranging of workshops; Organisation of training; Arrangement of seminars for educational purposes; Organisation of seminars relating to training; Arrangement of conventions for educational purposes; Arranging of workshops and seminars; Providing continuing legal education courses; Planning of seminars for educational purposes; Planning of lectures for educational purposes; Planning of conferences for educational purposes; Legal education services; Providing of further training courses; Provision of education courses; Providing of training, teaching and tuition; Providing online training seminars; Provision of online tutorials; Tuition; Conducting courses, seminars and workshops; Conducting of educational courses; Conducting instructional courses; Conducting workshops [training]; Dissemination of educational material; Seminars; Postgraduate training courses; Arranging professional workshop and training courses; Organisation of conferences, exhibitions and competitions; Consultancy and information services relating to arranging, conducting and organisation of congresses; Consultancy and information services relating to arranging, conducting and organisation of conferences; Arranging and conducting of congresses; Arranging and conducting of conferences; Arranging and conducting conferences and seminars; Arranging and conducting of conferences and congresses; Arranging of an annual conference relating to procurement; Arranging of conferences; Arrangement of conferences for educational purposes; Organisation of seminars and conferences; Organisation of meetings and conferences; Providing information on congress events; Arranging, conducting and organisation of congresses; Arranging, conducting and organisation of conferences; Arranging, conducting and organisation of seminars; Audio-visual display presentations; Organisation of Webinars].

Class 45 Юридически услуги; Pro bono юридически услуги; Адвокатски услуги; Експертни консултации по юридически въпроси; Изготвяне на правни доклади; Информационни, съветнически и консултантски услуги, свързани с юридически въпроси; Информация по правни въпроси; Компилация на правна информация (съставяне); Консултантски услуги свързани с право; Консултантски услуги, свързани с държавен контрол; Консултиране относно съдебни спорове; Организиране на предоставяне на юридически услуги; Посредничество; Правна помощ при изготвянето на договори; Правни консултации; Посредничество при юридически процедури; Правни посреднически услуги; Правни съвети и представителство; Правни услуги във връзка със съдебни процеси; Предоставяне на експертни становища по правни въпроси; Предоставяне на информация по юридически въпроси; Предоставяне на информация, свързана с юридически услуги; Предоставяне на юридическа информация; Преразглеждане на стандарти и практики с цел гарантиране на спазването на законите и регламентите; Услуги за изготвяне на правни документи; Юридическа информация относно правни проучвания; Юридически проучвания; Юридически услуги, свързани с консултирането относно реализиране на бизнес.

[Legal services; Pro bono legal services; Solicitors' services; Expert consultancy relating to legal issues; Preparation of legal reports; Information, advisory and consultancy services relating to legal matters; Information services relating to legal matters; Compilation of legal information; Advisory services relating to the law; Advisory services relating to regulatory affairs; Litigation consultancy; Arranging for the provision of legal services; Mediation; Legal assistance in the drawing up of contracts; Legal advice; Mediation in legal procedures; Legal mediation services; Legal advice and representation; Legal services provided in relation to lawsuits; Provision of expert legal opinions; Providing information relating to legal affairs; Provision of information relating to legal services; Provision of judicial information; Reviewing standards and practices to assure compliance with laws and regulations; Legal document preparation services; Legal information research services; Legal research; Legal services relating to business].

The application may proceed for the remaining goods and services, namely:

Class 16 Канцеларски и учебни материали; Бележници; Бележници за отбелязване на срещи; Бележници за планиране по дни; Бланки за записване; Джобни бележници; Джобни тефтери; Eтикети от хартия; Канцеларски материали за писане; Листове хартия за водене на бележки; Тефтери; Бланки [печатни]; Брошури; Информационни брошури; Листовки; Отпечатани хартиени етикети; Печатни брошури; Печатни информационни листовки; Печатни листовки; Печатни рекламни материали; Плакати за банери от хартия; Плакати; Рекламни брошури; Хартия и картон; Хартиени листове [канцеларски принадлежности].

[Stationery and educational supplies; Notebooks; Agendas; Daily planners; Record cards; Pocket diaries; Pocket notebooks; Labels of paper; Writing stationery; Paper sheets for note taking; Scratch pads; Forms, printed; Brochures; Information booklets; Flyers; Printed paper labels; Printed brochures; Printed informational sheets; Printed leaflets; Printed promotional material; Display banners of paper; Posters; Advertising pamphlets; Paper and cardboard; Paper sheets [stationery].

Class 45 Регистриране на домейн име за идентификация на потребители в глобална компютърна мрежа; Регистриране на домейн имена [юридически услуги].

[Registration of domain names for identification of users on a global computer network; Registration of domain names [legal services].

According to Article 59 EUTMR, you have a right to appeal against this decision. According to Article 60 EUTMR, notice of appeal must be filed in writing at the Office within two months of the date of notification of this decision. It must be filed in the language of the proceedings in which the decision subject to appeal was taken. Furthermore, a written statement of the grounds of appeal must be filed within four months of the same date. The notice of appeal will be deemed to be filed only when the appeal fee of EUR 720 has been paid.

Liliya YORDANOVA