Recently, 7-ELEVEN, the internationally known convenience store, filed a trademark infringement case against Jinjiang Dexin Company at Beijing No.1 Intermediate People’s Court.
7-ELEVEN is a large chain store operating around the world. The mark of 7-ELEVEN (with the color of yellow green and red) was registered early in 1987. The 7-ELEVEN convenience stores are widely known among the consumers in the United States, Japan and other countries.
Jinjiang Dexin Company filed a trademark for SEVEN-ELEVEN and devices. 7-ELEVEN claimed that the mark of 7-ELEVEN was independently created and has strong distinctive features. Further, 7-ELEVEN is much popular among the consumers around the world. The trademark in question caused similarity with 7-ELEVEN in pronunciation and appearance and may cause confusion. The acts by Dexin Company violated principles of honesty and good faith and does not comply with business ethics. 7-Eleven therefore first opposed the mark before the Trademark Review and Adjudication Board (TRAB).
The TRAB held that Dexin Company’s trademark is used on clothing, which is different from the goods provided by 7-ELEVEN and therefore rejected 7-ELEVEN’s opposition.
Now, the case is pending.
