Iconix Luxembourg Holdings SARL v Dream Pairs Europe Inc

Subject Matter

TRADE MARK — Infringement — Use

[2023] EWHC 706 (Ch), Ch D

[2024] EWCA Civ 29, CA

TRADE MARK — Infringement — Use — Claimed infringement of figurative trade mark used on footwear sold in UK by registered trade mark holder — Court’s assessment of claim — Whether similarity to be assessed solely by side-by-side comparison of intrinsic features of marks or by reference to external factors such as appearance of footwear to onlookers post-sale — Whether likelihood of post-sale confusion on part of public to be assessed only at point of subsequent sale or other transactional context — Trade Marks Act 1994 (c 26), s 10(2)(b)

[2025] UKSC 25; [2025] Bus LR 1391; [2025] 4 All ER 711; [2025] WLR(D) 337, SC(E)

TRADE MARK — Infringement — Use — Claimant registered proprietor of trade marks bringing infringement action on basis of similarity between marks and defendants’ sign likely to cause confusion on part of public — Whether similarity assessment limited to side-by-side comparison — Relevance of post-sale confusion — Whether only giving rise to actionable infringement if jeopardising essential function of mark at subsequent sale — Whether appellate court justified in substituting its own decision on similarity and confusion for trial judge’s decision — Trade Marks Act 1994 (c 26), s 10(2)(b)

[2025] UKSC 25; [2025] Bus LR 1391; [2025] 4 All ER 711; [2025] WLR(D) 337, SC(E)

Appellate History