FanFirm Pty Limited v Fanatics, LLC [2024] FCA 764

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

FanFirm Pty Limited v Fanatics, LLC [2024] FCA 764 File number: NSD 963 of 2022

Judgment of: ROFE J

Date of judgment: 17 July 2024

Catchwords: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY – trade marks – alleged infringement of registered marks under s 120 of the Trade Marks Act 1995 (Cth) – deceptive similarity – misleading or deceptive conduct – alleged breaches of s 18 and s 29(1)(g) and (h) of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) – tort of passing off. TRADE MARKS – infringement – deceptive similarity – s 120 of the Act – non-use – cancellation of registered trade marks – honest and concurrent use – own name defence – defences under ss 122(1)(e), 122(1)(f), 122(1)(fa) of the Act – whether discretion should be exercised not to cancel the registrations – cross-claim for trade mark infringement, cancellation of trade marks or rectification of the Register of Trade Marks in respect of them. CONSUMER LAW – misleading or deceptive conduct – false or misleading representation – alleged breaches of s 18 and s 29(1)(g) and (h) of the ACL – passing off – contravention not established.

Legislation: Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) Trade Marks Act 1995 (Cth) Trade Mark Regulations 1995 (Cth)

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