Learning From The Chanel vs Huawei Trademark Dispute - A Case For Reputable Marks

French luxury fashion house Chanel has lost an EU court battle against Chinese technology giant Huawei over their iconic double 'C' logo.

Background to the Case

In 2017, Huawei Technologies had sought an EU-wide trademark for a new logo which it was planning to use for computer hardware, particularly in Class 9. However, Chanel opposed this registration pursuant to Article 41 of Regulation 2017/1001, claiming similarity to two marks which the fashion house owns. Chanel stated in its opposition that the two vertical lines intertwining semi-circle are too similar to its protected logo, which Chanel uses to sell make-up, perfumes, clothing and accessories. In 2019, the EU Intellectual Property Office, as the first instance panel which decides whether marks are too similar to be registered, had dismissed Chanel's objection, saying that there was no likelihood of confusion between the two marks on the part of the relevant public.