CTM refusal due to a PGI opposition

In a recent and novel ruling, the opposition division of the OHIM has rejected the registration of the Community Trade Mark “CASTELLON CLEMENTINES” due to the opposition filed by the PGI CITRICOS VALENCIANOS, underlining that EC Regulation 510/2006 is to be applied when dealing with a CTM application conflicting with a Protected Geographical Indication. The OHIM understands that the sign ‘CASTELLON CLEMENTINES’ evokes the PGI Citricos Valencianos, given that ‘clementines’ is a product protected by the PGI and ‘Castellón’ is the name of one of the villages within the geographical area of the PGI.