When Is A Well-Known Trademark Likely To Suffer Dilution?

In a very recent decision, the Re-examination and Evaluation Board ("Board") of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office ("Office") has accepted that third party attempt to feminize the Johnnie Walker striding man logo and register the same to use it in fashion and textile sector may cause serial mark impression, and dilute the striding man logo and harm the distinctiveness and reputation of the same, even though it is only registered and well-known for alcoholic beverages.

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On February 28, 2018, the applicant company filed an application to register the trademark no. 2018/20205 for the goods and services in classes 18, 25, 26 and 35 before the Office, mainly to use this mark in fashion and textile sector. Diageo Brands B.V. opposed to this trademark application on the grounds that i) the application is a clear copy of the Johnnie Walker striding man logos and which are well-known and registered trademarks for alcoholic beverages in class 33 in many