DC Comics won a dispute in the EU regarding its famous Superman trademark. The case concerns an attempt by Magic Box to register the following EU trademark in class 28 – toys and games:

Against this mark an opposition was filed by DC Comics based on the following earlier trademark in classes 3, 9, 14, 16, 25, 21, 24, 25, 28, 30, 32 и 41:

In addition, a trademark with reputation under Article 8(5) EUTMR was claimed.

The EUIPO found both sign similar at least in one of their aspects. The Office agreed that Superman trademark was well-known in the EU, but for the goods in class 16 – comics and books and not for film making services in class 41.

According to the EUIPO, it is a common practice different characters from books to be used for merchandising products including for different toys which are very much accepted by the consumers. From that point of view, and taking into account the reputation of the earlier mark, the Office considered that the consumers could find a link between both marks which can give some unfair advantages to the applicant of the later mark.

Because of this the trademark application was rejected.

Source: IPKat.