In UKIPO in 2017, a web services provider viz. JK Solutions
filed an application for registration of the mark
'KinkedIn' (Does that ring a bell?) for "agency
services for arranging personal introductions, computer dating
services and video dating services" - primarily online
dating services. Well, yes, as you rightly guessed, LinkedIn
Ireland Unlimited Company, being the proprietors of the marks
'LinkedIn' and
filed an opposition against the proposed mark stating the obvious,
that the marks had an uncanny similarity and are likely to confuse
any person easily.
LinkedIn stated that they have been operating since 2003 and
have built a strong reputation by creating one of its kind
professional social networking sites. Further, having a parallel
site named 'KinkedIn' is likely to tarnish the reputation
and goodwill earned by LinkedIn. There was evidence produced before
the UKIPO that, the Applicant's Instagram page displayed a page
with the heading "Kinkedin.one" above