OAPI Rejects AFP Opposition Against AFO Logo Mark

The African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) has rejected an opposition filed by Agence France-Presse (AFP) against the "AFO + Logo" trademark application. The decision, dated May 19, 2026, found that similarities between the signs were insufficient to create a likelihood of confusion despite overlapping service classes.

AFP opposed the mark on the basis of its earlier "AFP + Logo" mark. Both marks covered services in Classes 35, 38, and 41. OAPI determined that the shared letters "A" and "F" and other limited similarities did not rise to the level required to sustain the opposition, particularly given the overall differences and distinct conceptual associations of the marks.

The ruling provides insight into OAPI's approach to assessing likelihood of confusion in trademark oppositions. It confirms that service class overlap combined with partial visual or textual similarities will not automatically lead to a successful opposition where the marks remain distinguishable overall.

The decision remains subject to appeal before OAPI's Higher Appeals Commission. Parties involved in African trademark matters may reference the case when evaluating opposition strategies involving stylized or abbreviated marks.

Sources: https://www.mondaq.com/trademark/1843436/oapi-rejects-afp-opposition-against-afo-%2b-logo https://www.mondaq.com/trademark/1843436/oapi-rejects-afp-opposition-against-afo-logo