(Case T-408/09)

Community trade mark – Opposition proceedings – Application for Community figurative mark ‘ancotel’ – Earlier Community figurative mark ‘ACOTEL’ – Relative ground for refusal – Likelihood of confusion – Article 8(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 207/2009 – Relevant public

Community trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the Community 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 (Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 8(1)(b)) (see paras 37-39)

Re:

ACTION brought against the decision of the First Board of Appeal of OHIM of 19 June 2009 (Case R 1385/2008-1) concerning opposition proceedings between Acotel SpA and ancotel GmbH.

Information relating to the case

Applicant for the Community trade mark:

Community trade mark sought:

Figurative mark ancotel for services in Classes 35 and 38 – Application No 3314424

Proprietor of the mark or sign cited in the opposition proceedings:

Acotel SpA

Mark or sign cited in opposition:

In particular, Italian figurative mark No 643751 and Community figurative mark No 1442268 ACOTEL for goods and services in Classes 9 and 38

Decision of the Opposition Division:

Opposition partially upheld

Decision of the Board of Appeal:

Appeal dismissed

Operative part

The Court:

1.Annuls the decision of the First Board of Appeal of the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (Trade Marks and Designs) (OHIM) of 19 June 2009 (Case R 1385/2008-1);

2.Orders OHIM to bear its own costs and to pay those incurred by ancotel GmbH;

3.Orders Acotel SpA to bear its own costs.