Trade mark decision

BL Number
O/212/00
Decision date
22 June 2000
Hearing Officer
Dr W J Trott
Mark
DEVICE
Classes
16
Applicant
The Supreme Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Mystical Order Rosae Crucis
Opponent
Lexique Limited
Opposition
Section 3(3)(a), 3(4) & Section 3(5)

Result

Section 3(3)(a) - Opposition unsuccessful

Section 3(4) - Opposition unsuccessful

Section 3(5) - Opposition unsuccessful

Points Of Interest

  • The opponents indicated at the hearing that they wished to argue the matter also under Section 3(1)(b) of the Act and claimed it was covered by the Statement of Case. The applicants objected and after considering arguments from both parties the Hearing Officer refused to allow Section 3(1)(b) to be argued.

Summary

The opponents main grounds of opposition were that the Star of David is a figure in the shape of a star formed by superimposing and/or intersecting one equilateral triangle when another inverted equilateral triangle of the same size (a hexagram device). This device is a specially protected emblem symbolising Judaism and is distinctive of the flag of the State of Israel.

Under Section 3(3)(a) the Hearing Officer concluded that the hexagram device as represented in the mark was somewhat different from the protected emblem and he did not think that registration would impact on any other parties who wish to use the protected emblem nor would the public assume that goods bearing the mark were connected with Judaism. Additionally he noted that the opponents had offered to withdraw their opposition if a disclaimer was entered on the Register and, since disclaimers did not enter the marketplace, this weakened the opponents objections under Section 3(3)(a)

Again under Sections 3(4) and 3(5) the Hearing Officer was of the opinion that the hexagram appearing in the mark was very different from the Star of David and that as presented in the mark as a whole he concluded that, as the opponents had filed no evidence from the public to support their assertions, they must also fail on these grounds.

Full decision O/212/00 PDF document41Kb