We like showing you a case that illustrates that autonomous protection of the distinctive elements of your “communication” can solve difficult situations.

The Coco Cola Company opposed to the registration  in Canada of the trademark  – whose Chinese characters are read Pan Pan – on the basis of the registration of and of .

The American company won the opposition, obviously insisting also on the notoriety of its brands.

The Canadian Office, however, specified that if the Chinese characters would not be understandable to local English or French consumers, “a Canadian consumer might think that the is simply one of the opponent’s trademarks represented in another language” ; essentially the family feeling effect also played a role.