| OUR CLIENT’S MARK | OPPONENT’S REGISTERED MARK |
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ABU DHABI – On 17 October 2016, we filed a trademark application on behalf of our client, I.J. Tobacco Industry FZE, for the mark IJTI- I. J. TOBACCO INDUSTRY in the UAE in class 34. The application was assigned serial number 261478, and was then published in the Official Gazette on 29 August 2017.
Japan Tobacco Inc. filed an opposition against our client’s application based on alleged similarities with their registered trademark JTI in class 34 in the UAE number 15031.
We submitted a counter statement based on the following:
- Lack of definite similarities between the marks;
- Our client’s mark uses their commercial name as their brand, therefore, the mark IJTI is protected as per the articles of the law;
- Worldwide registration of our client’s mark, and
- Our client’s mark, IJTI, has been accepted and registered in the opponent’s home country of Japan.
The Examiner accepted our counter statement and issued a decision rejecting the opposition raised by Japan Tobacco Inc. and allowed the application for IJTI- I. J. TOBACCO INDUSTRY to register.
For more information, please contact uae@qumsieh.com.