In the opposition, it is convincingly established that Abba qualifies as a well known mark. The real battleground is whether, for the specific goods, the relevant public will make a mental association with the band. For products such as food supplements and gluten free beer, the EUIPO says yes: consumers will naturally think of the pop group. For plasters, hotel services or growing marijuana, however, the Office finds that mental leap a bridge too far. One may reasonably raise an eyebrow. I still immediately think of the group (perhaps a matter of age). In any event, Abba has appealed, so the story is not over yet.
