P&G Loses EU Bid to Register Flash Trademark for Cleaners

European officials have limited Procter & Gamble's application for the Flash mark after an opposition by a Spanish cosmetics company. The opponent showed potential consumer confusion with its Flash Eye serum line for cleaning products. The EUIPO narrowed the scope of P&G's application covering cleaning goods. This prevents full registration in classes where similarity was established. P&G had sought broad protection for household cleaners under the mark. The decision reflects the office's scrutiny of marks that could link unrelated product categories in the minds of consumers.

The outcome illustrates challenges in securing broad trademark rights when similar marks exist in adjacent sectors.