For the whole decision click here: o36001
Result
Sections 3(1)(b), (c) & (d) - opposition failed
Section 3(3)(a) & b - opposition failed
Points Of Interest
Summary
In relation to Section 3(1) the opponents essential grounds were that ADEPT is a normal dictionary word meaning "thoroughly proficient, a person who is proficient in or at anything" and secondly that is an acronym for "Antibody Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy" and is used in relation to treatment for Cancer. Both sides filed extensive evidence to support claims and counter-claims about the likelihood of confusion between the applicants products and use of the acronym.
As a first step the Hearing Officer noted that the word ADEPT is generally used in relation to a person rather than a product and dismissed the ground based on the word’s descriptive/laudatory meaning. As regards the ground based on the use of ADEPT as an acronym, the Hearing Officer considered in close detail the goods claimed within the applicants specification which were for use in human surgical laparoscopic procedures and the goods for treating cancer and concluded that there was unlikely to be any confusion. The opposition based on Section 3(1) therefore failed. In view of this finding, and taking account of the expert evidence provided, it followed that the opponents also failed in their ground of opposition under Section 3(3).