Case Study - CNIPA Rejected Registration Of Trademark GUNNERS

Abstract

We, Kangxin Partners, P.C., filed an opposition action against the trademark,   (No.35668065 in Class 25) ("the opposed mark") on behalf of THE ARSENAL FOOTBALL CLUB PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY ("Client") on May 20, 2020.  The National Intellectual Property Administration, PRC ("CNIPA") examined the case and decided to  rejected the opposed mark for registration.

Background

THE ARSENAL FOOTBALL CLUB PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY is the famous football club, it is also the owner of the brand "ARSENAL." After more than 100 years hard work, ARSENAL football club made a great performance.  It has been the one of most famous and oldest football club in the world, and it is well-known as "GUNNERS".  Thus, the client and the mark "GUNNERS" enjoy high reputation among relevant public. The client registered the trademark "GUNNERS" in China over different goods. The client was of the opinion that the opposed mark is a "similar mark over similar goods" with the client's