商标淡化性近似认定

On Dilution Similarity of Trademarks

商标法意义上的商标近似判断是事实判断和价值判断的共融。鉴于混淆性近似的认定标准已经相对成熟,实践中多数法院直接将混淆性近似的认定结论移植到淡化案中。这种做法忽略了混淆与淡化的内在差异。此外,法院通常认为只有系争商标之间的近似程度达到"相同或几乎相同或实质近似"时,淡化才能成立。这种传统的淡化性近似标准本身就是一种内在缺陷分析方式,应当加以摒弃。首先,商标相同并不必然引起淡化;其次,"几乎相同或实质近似"在判断上任意性性很大,容易引起前后不一致甚至相互矛盾的结论;再次,低于此标准的商标近似程度也可能构成淡化。淡化性近似应当结合个案采用多因素检测方法认定。

Trademark similarity in trademark law is combinative judgment of fact and value. Given that the standard of confusing similarity has been relatively mature, many courts simply apply the conclusion of confusing similarity to trademark dilution case. The practice ignores the inherent difference of confusion and dilution. In addition, the courts generally demands that dilution similarity must reach to the degree of “identical or nearly identical or substantial similarity”. The traditional standard of dilution similarity which itself has many flaws should be abandoned. First of all, identical trademark does not necessarily lead to dilution. Secondly, the notions of “nearly identical or substantial similarity” are difficult to delineate or handle so that it is easy to make inconsistent or even contradictory judicial decisions. Thirdly, trademark similarity below the high standard may also justify dilution claim. Dilution similarity should be judged by multi-factor test.