Telefónica Blocks Shokz Loop Trademark Application

The European Union Intellectual Property Office has upheld Telefónica's opposition to a headphone company's application for the mark Shokz Loop. The panel concluded that consumers could confuse the sign with Telefónica's earlier registered Loop trademark.

The decision prevents the audio equipment applicant from obtaining EU-wide protection for the mark in relevant classes. Telefónica argued successfully that the similarity in the word element Loop created a risk of association among relevant consumers.

This opposition outcome reflects the EUIPO's approach to assessing phonetic and conceptual similarity in telecommunications and consumer electronics sectors. The ruling maintains the scope of protection for the existing Loop registration.

The headphone company may consider amending its application or pursuing registration in other jurisdictions.

Sources: https://www.law360.com/articles/2537637/telefonica-mutes-audio-company-s-shokz-loop-tm-bid https://www.law360.com/intellectual-property-uk