Is SAYONAPPS Similar To "Sona"?

AMMAN – On 16 August 2016, we filed a trademark application for registration on behalf of our client, MEERA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, for SAYONAPPS in classes 11. The application was assigned serial number 30308.

During examination, the Registrar issued a decision to reject our client's application due to the alleged similarity with the registered marks "sona" with registration numbers 46826 and 129286. We based our appeal to the refusal decision before the Administrative Court on the following:

• Dissimilarity between both marks in terms of pronunciation and general appearance;
• Prior use of SAYONAPPS by our client since 2012;
• Prior registrations of SAYONAPPS in the home country (Hong Kong) and abroad;