The company LACOSTE, with its famous crocodile, filed an opposition with the European Office (EUIPO) against the figurative trademark Dr. CAIMAN, based on its own figurative trademarks. It endeavored to demonstrate the reputation of its trademarks, which was recognized by the Office, for clothing.
The contested trademark mainly targeted cosmetics, which were designated identically within the trademarks. The subject therefore mainly concerned the similarity between the signs. The Office considered that these were very different, due to the verbal element Dr. CAIMAN, the vertical position of the caiman and the “cartoon” aspect of the contested trademark.
The opposition was therefore rejected, which Lacoste will surely not fail to challenge on appeal.
