This is the central question in the conflict between Slazenger (renown brand for tennis articles) and Artic Cat (snow scooters).
Artic Cat files trademark protection (figurative) for a jumping black catlike predator, among other goods for protective sportswear. Slazenger opposes on the basis of its registered figurative trademark of the black panther.
The European Court declares that the signs are similar. Both signs consist of a catlike black silhouette. It is irrelevant that the Slazenger panther looks more realistic then the fantasy figure of Arctic. Arctic’s logo is refused. Therefore, do not only register the word element, but also the combination of word and logo. If the figurative element is special, it should be protected separately as well.
