Reference for a preliminary ruling from the Juzgado de lo Mercantil de Alicante (Spain) lodged on 8 November 2011 - Fédération Cynologique Internationale v Federación Canina Internacional de Perros de Pura Raza

(Case C-561/11)

Language of the case: Spanish

Referring court

Juzgado de lo Mercantil de Alicante

Parties to the main proceedings

Applicant: Fédération Cynologique Internationale

Defendant: Federación Canina Internacional de Perros de Pura Raza

Question referred

In proceedings for infringement of the exclusive right conferred by a Community trade mark, does the right to prevent the use thereof by third parties in the course of trade provided for in Article 9(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 207/2009  of 26 February 2009 on the Community trade mark extend to any third party who uses a sign that involves a likelihood of confusion (because it is similar to the Community trade mark and the services or goods are similar) or, on the contrary, is the third party who uses that sign (capable of being confused) which has been registered in his name as a Community trade mark excluded until such time as that subsequent trade mark registration has been declared invalid?

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¹ - OJ 2009 L 78, p. 1.