Bundespatentgericht, Beschluss vom 21.06.2022, Az. 28 W (pat) 528/22

Die Wortmarke

LUI OIL

ist am 11. Dezember 2020 angemeldet und am 12. Februar 2021 unter der Nummer 30 2020 117 956 in das beim [X.] ([X.]) geführte Register eingetragen worden für Waren und Dienstleistungen der

Klasse 4:  Schmiermittel, insbesondere Schmierstoffe und Schmieröle; technische Öle und Fette; Brennstoffe;

Klasse 35:  Einzelhandelsdienstleistungen und Großhandelsdienst-leistungen mit den folgenden Produkten: Schmiermittel, insbesondere Schmierstoffe und Schmieröle, technische Öle und Fette, Brennstoffe, Reinigungsmittel, Kühlerfrostschutzmittel.

Gegen die Eintragung dieser Marke, die am 19. März 2021 veröffentlicht worden ist, hat die Beschwerdeführerin Widerspruch erhoben

1. aus dem [X.] ihrer am am 8. September 1998 international registrierten und auf eine [X.] Basisanmeldung vom 13. Mai 1998 zurückgehenden [X.] 699 736 (Widerspruchsmarke zu 1.)

die Schutz genießt für die Waren und Dienstleistungen der

Klasse 4: [X.]; lubricants; [X.]; cutting oils; lubricating grease,

2. aus dem [X.] ihrer am am 12. Mai 1997 international registrierten und auf eine [X.] Basisanmeldung vom 17. Mai 1996 zurückgehenden [X.] 678 637 (Widerspruchsmarke zu 2.)

die Schutz genießt für die Waren und Dienstleistungen der

Klasse 1: Chemicals used in industry, science, photography as well as in agriculture, horticulture and forestry ([X.], herbicides and preparations for destroying vermin); [X.] [X.], [X.] [X.]; fertilizers; fire-extinguishing compositions; leather-dressing chemicals, [X.]; [X.] (adhesive materials) for industrial use; biological, [X.], other than for medical or veterinary use; chemical substances for preserving foodstuffs and flowers; paper (not included in other classes); paper pulp; wood pulp; cinematographic and x-ray films, [X.]; films [X.], [X.]; substrates for soilless growing of plants; cellulose;

Klasse 2: [X.], [X.], [X.]; preservatives against rust and deterioration of wood; raw natural resins; mordants; metals in foil and powder form for painters, [X.], [X.]; [X.]; [X.]; primers; coloring agents (not included in other classes) including food dyes and colorants; toners for copying apparatus and machines.

Klasse(n) 03: Bleaching preparations and other substances for laundry use; cleaning, polishing, [X.]; scale-removing preparations for household purposes; perfumery, [X.]; [X.]; shampoos; make-up;

Klasse 4: Dust-absorbing, [X.]; fuel (including engine fuels) and combustible briquettes; gas and alcohols, not included in other classes; petroleum ([X.] refined);

Klasse 6: Base metals and their alloys; [X.], except those for painters, [X.] and artists; metal building materials and frameworks; metal buildings; metal pipes; [X.]; [X.] of common metal, not included in other classes; safes; [X.]; non-electric ironmongery and small items of metal hardware; goods of base metals, not included in other classes; metal foils for wrapping and packaging; filings of metal; gratings of metal; metal fences; [X.]; [X.] (of metal) for liquid fuel and gas; metal vats; poles (of metal) for electric lines;

Klasse 7: [X.]; [X.]; pumps, not included in other classes; [X.] (except for land vehicles) and parts thereof; equipment for petroleum extraction and processing, drilling equipment, not included in other classes; [X.]; building and agricultural apparatus and machinery, [X.]; electrical kitchen machines; washing machines; sewing machines; electrical parquet wax-polishers; mechanically operated hand-held tools; [X.]; [X.]; equipment used for gas separation, including apparatus equipped with membranes;

Klasse 9: Scientific, nautical, [X.], [X.], cinematographic, weighing, measuring, signaling, checking (supervision) apparatus and instruments; audiovisual teaching apparatus; apparatus for recording, transmitting, amplifying and reproducing sound or images; telecommunication systems and facsimile machines; solar batteries; [X.]; telephone and radiotelephone apparatus; radiosonde observation apparatus; electric apparatus and machines used for executing industrial processes by remote control and for controlling machines; vending machines; automatic coin-operated amusement machines; apparatus for games adapted for use with television receivers or monitors only; [X.], [X.]; data processing equipment and computers; computer peripheral devices and interfaces; recorded computer programs, including programs for games and programs for use in teaching; videotapes, sound recording strips; electronic equipment for computerized workplaces; copying apparatus and machines (including electrostatic or thermal apparatus and machines); clothing for protection against accidents, [X.], [X.]; [X.]; [X.]; [X.]; [X.]; magnetic identity cards; breathing apparatus, except for artificial respiration; glasses (optical apparatus), binoculars (optical apparatus); spectacle frames; spectacle cases; chemistry apparatus and instruments; electric flat irons; [X.]; [X.]; [X.] projection apparatus; magnetic data media; [X.]; [X.]; [X.], [X.] (light conducting filaments), [X.]; [X.]; [X.] ([X.] equipment);

Klasse 11: Lighting, heating, cooking, refrigerating, [X.], ventilating, [X.]; tanning apparatus; disinfecting apparatus; clarifying installations; [X.], machinery and apparatus, not included in other classes; desalination plants; [X.] installations; cryogenic equipment; electric ovens for household and industrial use, except those intended for experiments; [X.], [X.]; [X.], for nonmedical use; [X.]; [X.]; [X.]; gas generators;

Klasse 12: Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, [X.], [X.]; [X.]; tractors; cable cars; functional, structural and decorative vehicle components (not included in other classes); apparatus, machines and devices for use in [X.], [X.]; [X.] vehicles;

Klasse 14: Jewelry; religious objects, [X.], crockery, tableware (except cutlery), [X.], [X.], [X.], ornaments for shoes and clothing, [X.], [X.], including those with embedded precious and semi-precious stones; [X.], honorary [X.], decorations; [X.], [X.], [X.], [X.], [X.], including those which are made of precious metals or coated therewith; precious and semi-precious stones; precious metals, [X.]; jewelry articles;

Klasse 16: [X.], including books, [X.], [X.], magazines ([X.]), [X.], guidebooks; [X.]; atlases; paintings, engravings; artwork made of papier-mâché not included in other classes; table linen of paper; [X.], handkerchiefs and face [X.] of paper; labels, [X.]; flags and pennants of paper; playing cards; paper or plastic sachets and bags ([X.], [X.]) used for packaging; plastic film for wrapping; paper for cooking in [X.]; paper and paper goods not included in other classes, paintbrushes; artists' materials; training or teaching material (except apparatus); typewriters; [X.]; [X.] (except [X.]); [X.]; covers (stationery) (except those which are made of leather and imitation leather); photographs; decalcomanias; stickers ([X.]); indoor aquariums; indoor terrariums (vivariums);

Klasse 19: [X.], including sawn timber, [X.], framework for building, [X.]; [X.], [X.], [X.]; road surfacing material; parquet flooring; granite; marble; artwork of stone, not included in other classes; [X.]; nonmetallic jalousies;

Klasse 20: Furniture, pieces of [X.]; nonmetallic [X.] fittings; [X.]; jewelry cases (not of precious metal); mirrors; frames for paintings and mirrors; [X.]; animal [X.]s, [X.]; artwork (not included in other classes) of wood, [X.], [X.], [X.], [X.], [X.], [X.], [X.], [X.], whale[X.], [X.]; beehives; mattresses and pillows, including inflatable mattresses and pillows (for nonmedical use); [X.]; goods of [X.] not included in other classes; packaging [X.] of plastic, [X.] transport pallets, [X.], [X.], [X.]; nonmetal [X.] for liquid fuel; tanks, [X.] nor of masonry; [X.]' bread [X.]; [X.]; nonmetal bungs and [X.]s; [X.]; [X.] ([X.] dolls);

Klasse 21: Household or kitchen utensils and [X.] (not of precious metals or coated therewith), dishes, tableware (not of precious metal), [X.], toilet utensils (not included in other classes); [X.], [X.]; vacuum [X.]; cleaning instruments and equipment; fiberglass other than for insulation or textile use; [X.] made of glass, [X.], terra cotta and earthenware not included in other classes; majolica; [X.], [X.] for farm animals; brushes (except paintbrushes);

Klasse 29: [X.], preserved and cooked vegetables, fruits and mushrooms; [X.], [X.], [X.]; meat, including preserved meat; protein for human consumption; game; poultry (meat); edible oils and fats; [X.]; milk and milk products; eggs and [X.]; [X.], including caviar and mussels (not living); preparations for making bouillon; bouillon concentrates, [X.] concentrates; crystallized fruits;

Klasse 32: Beer; [X.]; [X.] ([X.]); mineral water ([X.]); preserved [X.]; non-alcoholic [X.] and preparations for making [X.];

Klasse 33: [X.]; balms containing alcohol ([X.]); alcoholic [X.] (except beer);

Klasse 35: [X.]; market studies; business and statistical information; [X.]; [X.] agencies; document reproduction; commercial or industrial management assistance; projects (business management assistance); computerized file management; office machines and equipment rental; organization of exhibitions for commercial or advertizing purposes; employment agencies; business and statistical information on available jobs; business research; efficiency experts; sales promotion (for third parties); services relating to computer-aided sorting and processing of scientific research findings;

Klasse 36: Insurance underwriting; [X.]; [X.]; financial information; leasing of real estate; real estate management; mutual funds; charitable fund raising; banking; financial affairs, [X.]; brokerage; safe deposit services; [X.]; factoring;

Klasse 37: Vehicle service stations; vehicle repair, vehicle maintenance, vehicle cleaning; road paving and road surfacing repair; installation, maintenance and repair of machinery, [X.], [X.]; building construction, repair and cleaning; communication system installation for buildings; rental of construction equipment; explosion work; quarrying services; mining extraction, including gas and petroleum extraction; well drilling; [X.]; pipeline construction and maintenance;

Klasse 38: [X.]; [X.]; television broadcasting, including cable television broadcasting; [X.]; [X.]; access to specific communication channels; electronic mail; [X.] sending apparatus;

Klasse 39: [X.]; passenger or freight transportation; vehicle rental, rental of storage [X.]; chauffeur services; garage rental; [X.]; storage of goods; freight forwarding; tourist offices, except for hotel and boarding house reservations; transport brokerage; packaging of goods; message delivery;

Klasse 40: [X.], [X.], [X.], water ([X.], [X.], sewage water) and soil; woodworking; fur and leather conditioning; wool treating; metal treating; waste treatment (transformation); [X.], clothing, [X.], [X.], [X.], technological equipment non-standardized on individual orders;

Klasse 41: [X.]; educational services; television program production; film production (including videotape film production); publishing of books, of handbooks; publication of texts, other than publicity texts; providing casino facilities (gambling); [X.]; recording studio services; [X.]; rental of cinematographic and [X.] apparatus and accessories; rental of sports equipment (except vehicles); trainer services and operation of sports halls; organization of exhibitions for cultural or educational purposes; holding of seminars, [X.], [X.]; impresario services; theatre productions, [X.], [X.]; exhibitions for cultural or educational purposes held in bookshops and music stores, (except for sales departments); information pertaining to cultural and educational events; [X.], organization of presentations and round-table discussions;

Klasse 42: [X.]; [X.] (engineer's services) and technical research; engineering services for drafting scientific works; computer programming; services relating to engineering and know-how; [X.]; [X.]; information and counseling services ([X.]); editorial offices; translation services; legal services; beauty salons; massages, medical assistance; hotels; restaurants (meals); cafés; rest and convalescent homes; providing campground facilities; tourist homes; motels (not included in other classes); photography; industrial design and styling (industrial design); architecture; services provided by designers; providing facilities for exhibitions; [X.]; animal b[X.]ing; research and expert evaluations relating to ecology; testing of machines and mechanisms; quality control and granting of quality control certificates for materials, fuel, petroleum and gas; geological research and prospecting; [X.] (filming),

3. aus dem [X.] ihrer am am 12. Mai 1997 international registrierten und auf eine [X.] Basisanmeldung vom 17. Mai 1996 zurückgehenden [X.] 678 644 (Widerspruchsmarke zu 3.)

die Schutz genießt für die Waren und Dienstleistungen der

Klasse 1: Chemicals used in industry, science, photography as well as in agriculture, horticulture and forestry ([X.], herbicides and preparations for destroying vermin); [X.] [X.], [X.] [X.]; fertilizers; fire-extinguishing compositions; leather-dressing chemicals, [X.]; [X.] (adhesive materials) for industrial use; biological, [X.] other than for medical or veterinary use; chemical substances for preserving foodstuffs and flowers; paper (not included in other classes); paper pulp; wood pulp; cinematographic and x-ray films, [X.]; films [X.], [X.]; substrates for soilless growing of plants; cellulose;

Klasse 2: [X.], [X.], [X.]; preservatives against rust and deterioration of wood; raw natural resins; mordants; metals in foil and powder form for painters, [X.], [X.]; [X.]; [X.]; primers; coloring substances (not included in other classes) including food dyes and colorants; toners for copying apparatus and machines;

Klasse 3: Bleaching preparations and other substances for laundry use; cleaning, polishing, [X.]; scale-removing preparations for household purposes; perfumery, [X.]; [X.]; [X.]; shampoos; make-up;

Klasse 4: Dust-absorbing, [X.]; fuel (including engine fuels) and combustible briquettes; gas and alcohols not included in other classes; petroleum ([X.] refined);

Klasse 6: Base metals and their alloys; [X.], except those for painters, [X.] and artists; metal building materials and frameworks; metal buildings; metal pipes; [X.]; [X.] of common metal not included in other classes; safes; [X.]; non-electric ironmongery and small items of metal hardware; goods of common metals not included in other classes; foils of metal for wrapping and packaging; filings of metal; gratings of metal; metal fences; [X.]; [X.] (of metal) for liquid fuel and gas; metal vats; posts (of metal) for electric lines;

Klasse 7: [X.]; [X.]; pumps, not included in other classes; engines (except for land vehicles) and parts thereof; equipment for petroleum extraction and processing, drilling equipment, not included in other classes; [X.]; building and agricultural apparatus and machinery, [X.]; electrical kitchen machines; washing machines; sewing machines; electric parquet wax-polishers; mechanically operated hand-held tools; [X.]; [X.]; equipment used for gas separation, including apparatus equipped with membranes;

Klasse 9: Scientific, nautical, [X.], [X.], cinematographic, weighing, measuring, signaling, checking (supervision) apparatus and instruments; audiovisual teaching apparatus; apparatus for recording, transmitting, amplifying and reproducing sound or images; telecommunication systems and facsimile machines; solar batteries; [X.]; telephone and radiotelephone apparatus; radiosonde observation apparatus; electric apparatus and machines used for executing industrial processes by remote control and for controlling machines; vending machines; automatic coin-operated amusement machines; apparatus for games adapted for use with television receivers or monitors only; [X.], [X.]; data processing equipment and computers; computer peripheral devices and interfaces; recorded computer programs, including programs for games and programs for use in teaching; videotapes, sound recording strips; electronic equipment for computerized workplaces; copying apparatus and machines (including electrostatic or thermal apparatus and machines); clothing for protection against accidents, [X.], [X.]; [X.]; [X.]; [X.]; [X.]; magnetic identity cards; breathing apparatus, except for artificial respiration; spectacles, binoculars; spectacle frames; spectacle cases; chemistry apparatus and instruments; electric flat irons; [X.]; [X.]; [X.] projection apparatus; magnetic data media; [X.]; [X.]; [X.], [X.] (light conducting filaments), [X.]; [X.]; [X.] ([X.] equipment);

Klasse 11: Lighting, heating, cooking, refrigerating, [X.], ventilating, [X.]; tanning apparatus; disinfecting apparatus; clarifying installations; [X.], machinery and apparatus, not included in other classes; desalination plants; [X.] installations; cryogenic equipment; electric ovens for household and industrial use, except those for experiments; [X.], [X.]; [X.], for nonmedical use; [X.]; [X.]; [X.]; gas generators;

Klasse 12: Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, [X.], [X.]; [X.]; tractors; cable cars; functional, structural and decorative vehicle components (not included in other classes); apparatus, machines and devices for use in [X.], [X.]; [X.] vehicles;

Klasse 14: Jewelry; religious objects, [X.], crockery, tableware (except cutlery), [X.], [X.], [X.], ornaments for shoes and clothing, [X.], [X.] including those with embedded precious and semi-precious stones; [X.], honorary [X.], decorations; [X.], [X.], [X.], [X.], [X.], including those which are made of precious metals or coated therewith; precious and semi-precious stones; precious metals, [X.]; jewelry articles;

Klasse 16: [X.], including books, [X.], [X.], magazines ([X.]), [X.], guidebooks; [X.]; atlases; paintings, engravings; [X.] of papier-mâché not included in other classes; table linen of paper; [X.], pocket handkerchiefs and face [X.] of paper; labels, [X.]; flags and pennants of paper; playing cards; paper or plastic sachets and bags ([X.], [X.]) used for packaging; plastic film for wrapping; paper for cooking in [X.]; paper and paper goods not included in other classes, paintbrushes; artists' materials; training or teaching material (except apparatus); typewriters; [X.]; [X.] (except [X.]); folders for documents; covers (stationery) (except for those which are made of leather and imitation leather); photographs; decalcomanias; stickers ([X.]); indoor aquariums; indoor terrariums (vivariums);

Klasse 19: [X.], including sawn timber, [X.], framework for building, [X.]; non metallic [X.], [X.]; road surfacing material; parquet flooring; granite; marble; [X.] of stone, not included in other classes; [X.]; nonmetallic jalousies;

Klasse 20: Furniture, pieces of [X.]; nonmetallic [X.] fittings; [X.], [X.]; jewelry cases (not of precious metals); mirrors; frames for paintings and mirrors; [X.]; animal [X.]s, [X.]; [X.] (not included in other classes) made of wood, [X.], [X.], [X.], [X.], [X.], [X.], [X.], [X.], whale[X.], [X.]; beehives; mattresses and pillows, including inflatable mattresses and pillows (for nonmedical use); [X.]; articles of plastics not included in other classes; packaging [X.] of plastic, including transport pallets, [X.], [X.], [X.], [X.], [X.], [X.]; [X.], [X.], for liquid fuel; tanks, [X.] nor of masonry; [X.] bakers' bread [X.]; [X.]; nonmetallic bungs and [X.]s; [X.]; [X.] ([X.] dolls);

Klasse 21: Household or kitchen utensils and [X.] (not of precious metals or coated therewith), dishes, tableware (not of precious metal), [X.], toilet utensils (not included in other classes); [X.], [X.]; vacuum [X.]; cleaning instruments and equipment; fiberglass other than for insulation or textile use; [X.] made of glass, [X.], terra cotta and earthenware not included in other classes; majolica; [X.], [X.] for farm animals; brushes (except paintbrushes);

Klasse 29: [X.], preserved and cooked vegetables, fruits and mushrooms; [X.], [X.], compotes; meat, including preserved meat; protein for human consumption; game; poultry (meat); edible oils and fats; [X.]; milk and milk products; eggs and [X.]; [X.], including caviar and mussels (not living); preparations for making bouillon; bouillon concentrates, [X.] concentrates; crystallized fruits;

Klasse 32: Beer; [X.]; [X.] ([X.]); mineral water ([X.]); preserved [X.]; non-alcoholic [X.] and preparations for making [X.];

Klasse 33: [X.]; balms containing alcohol ([X.]); alcoholic [X.] (except beer);

Klasse 35: [X.]; market studies; business and statistical information; auctioning; [X.] agencies; document reproduction; commercial or industrial management assistance; projects (business management assistance); computerized file management; office machines and equipment rental; organization of fairs and exhibitions for commercial or promotional purposes; employment agencies; business and statistical information on available jobs; business research; efficiency experts; sales promotion (on behalf of third parties); services relating to computer-aided sorting and processing of scientific research findings;

Klasse 36: Insurance underwriting; [X.]; [X.]; financial information; leasing of real estate; real estate management; mutual funds; charitable fund raising; banking; financial affairs, [X.]; brokerage; safe deposit services; [X.]; factoring;

Klasse 37: Vehicle service stations; vehicle repair, vehicle maintenance, vehicle cleaning; road paving and road surfacing repair; installation, maintenance and repair of machinery, [X.], [X.]; building construction, repair and cleaning; communication system installation for buildings; rental of construction equipment; explosion work; quarrying services; mining extraction, including gas and petroleum extraction; drilling of wells; [X.]; pipeline construction and maintenance;

Klasse 38: [X.]; [X.]; television broadcasting, including cable television broadcasting; [X.]; [X.]; access to specific communication channels; electronic mail; [X.] sending apparatus;

Klasse 39: Transport by pipeline; passenger and freight transportation; vehicle rental, rental of storage [X.]; chauffeur services; garage rental; [X.]; storage of goods; freight forwarding; tourist offices, except for hotel and boarding house reservations; transport brokerage; packaging of goods; message delivery;

Klasse 40: [X.], [X.], [X.], water ([X.], [X.], sewage water) and soil; woodworking; fur and leather conditioning; wool treating; metal treating; processing of waste (transformation); [X.] in making jewelry articles, clothing, [X.], [X.], [X.], technological equipment non-standardized on individual orders;

Klasse 41: [X.]; educational services; television program production; film production (including videotape film production); publishing of books, of manuals; publication of texts, other than publicity texts; providing casino facilities (gambling); [X.]; recording studio services; [X.]; rental of cinematographic and [X.] apparatus and accessories; rental of sports equipment (except vehicles); trainer services and operation of sports halls; organization of exhibitions for cultural or educational purposes; holding of seminars, [X.], [X.]; impresario services; theatre productions, [X.], [X.]; exhibitions for cultural or educational purposes held in bookshops and music stores (except for sales departments); information pertaining to cultural and educational events; [X.], organization of presentations and round-table discussions;

Klasse 42: Scientific investigations; [X.] (engineer's services) and technical research; engineering work for drafting scientific works; computer programming; services relating to engineering and know-how; [X.]; [X.]; advisory and information services ([X.]); editorial offices; translation services; legal services; beauty salons; massages, medical assistance; hotel services; restaurants (meals); cafés; rest and convalescent homes; providing campground facilities; tourist homes; motels (not included in other classes); photographs; industrial design and styling (industrial design); architecture; services provided by designers; providing facilities for exhibitions; [X.]; animal b[X.]ing; research and expert evaluations relating to ecology; testing of machines and mechanisms; quality control and granting of quality control certificates for materials, fuel, petroleum and gas; geological research and prospecting; [X.] (filming),

4. aus dem [X.] ihrer am am 8. September 1998 international registrierten und auf eine [X.] Basisanmeldung vom 13. Mai 1998 zurückgehenden [X.] 699 471 (Widerspruchsmarke zu 4.)

die Schutz genießt für die Waren und Dienstleistungen der

Klasse 4: [X.]; lubricants; [X.]; cutting oil; lubricating grease.

Mit Beschluss vom 21. Februar 2022 hat die Markenstelle für Klasse 4 des [X.] durch einen Beamten des gehobenen Dienstes eine Verwechslungsgefahr aufgrund des Widerspruchs aus den [X.] zu 1.) und 3.) bejaht und die angegriffene Marke gelöscht. Zur Begründung hat sie ausgeführt, die einander gegenüberstehenden Waren und Dienstleistungen seien identisch oder wenigstens hochgradig ähnlich. Die [X.] verfügten über eine durchschnittliche Kennzeichnungskraft. Es bestehe eine die Verwechslungsgefahr begründende hinreichende klangliche Ähnlichkeit zwischen den beiderseitigen Marken, da diese in fünf von sechs Buchstaben sowie deren Abfolge übereinstimmten, wobei die Anfänge und Endungen der Markenwörter identisch seien. Sie verfügten jeweils über zwei Silben und denselben Sprechrhythmus.

Hiergegen richtet sich die Beschwerde des Inhabers der angegriffenen Marke. Er trägt vor, ihm sei der Widerspruch nicht zugestellt worden. Von dem vorliegenden Verfahren habe er erst durch den angefochtenen Beschluss erfahren. Auf telefonische Nachfrage habe die Markenstelle mitgeteilt, dass der Widerspruch auf postalischem Weg ohne Anforderung eines Empfangsbekenntnisses an seine Verfahrensbevollmächtigten übersandt worden sei. Er habe bereits bei Anmeldung der angegriffenen Marke die Nutzung des elektronischen Postfachs beantragt. Über dieses sei ihm auch der angefochtene Beschluss zugestellt worden.

Der Inhaber der angegriffenen Marke beantragt,

1. den Beschluss der Markenstelle für Klasse 4 des [X.]es vom 21. Februar 2022 aufzuheben und die Sache zur erneuten Entscheidung an das [X.] zurückzuverweisen,

2. die Rückzahlung der Beschwerdegebühr anzuordnen.

Wegen der weiteren Einzelheiten wird auf den Akteninhalt Bezug genommen.

Die nach § 66 Abs. 1 i. V. m. § 64 Abs. 6 [X.] statthafte Beschwerde ist zulässig und führt gemäß § 70 Abs. 3 Nr. 2 [X.] zur Aufhebung der angefochtenen Entscheidung und zur Zurückverweisung der Sache an das [X.].

1. Das Verfahren vor dem [X.] leidet an einem wesentlichen Mangel, weil die Markenstelle dem Inhaber der angegriffenen Marke den Widerspruch nicht zugestellt hat.

a) Nach § 70 Abs. 3 Nr. 2 [X.] kann das Beschwerdegericht die angefochtene Entscheidung aufheben, ohne in der Sache selbst zu entscheiden, wenn das Verfahren vor dem Patent- und Markenamt an einem wesentlichen Mangel leidet. Von einem wesentlichen Mangel des Verfahrens im Sinne des § 70 Abs. 3 Nr. 2 [X.] ist auszugehen, wenn es nicht mehr als ordnungsgemäße Grundlage für die darauf beruhende Entscheidung des [X.] anzusehen ist ([X.], 86, 87 – Fischereifahrzeug).

b) Der Senat konnte vorliegend nicht feststellen, dass dem Inhaber der angegriffenen Marke der Widerspruch der Widersprechenden nachweislich zugegangen ist. In der elektronischen Amtsakte befindet sich weder ein Empfangsbekenntnis seiner Zustellungsbevollmächtigten noch ein anderer Zustellungsnachweis. Der Vortrag des Inhabers der angegriffenen Marke, erst durch den angefochtenen Beschluss von dem vorliegenden Widerspruchsverfahren erfahren zu haben, ist daher nicht widerlegbar und glaubhaft.

c) Indem die Markenstelle in der Sache entschieden hat, ohne sicherzustellen, dass der Inhaber der angegriffenen Marke zu dem Widerspruch Stellung nehmen konnte, hat sie gegen den Grundsatz der Gewährung rechtlichen Gehörs gemäß § 59 Abs. 2 [X.] verstoßen. In Rechtsprechung und Literatur wird überwiegend die Ansicht vertreten, dass dieser Mangel in den meisten Fällen geheilt werden kann, da das Beschwerdegericht im Rahmen des [X.] gemäß § 73 Abs. 1 [X.] das rechtliche Gehör nachträglich gewähren kann (vgl. [X.] (pat) 120/05 – HIER GEWINNEN SIE MEHR; 25 W (pat) 100/09 – [X.]/Azzurro; [X.] in Ströbele/[X.]/Thiering, [X.], 13. Aufl., § 70 Rdnr. 16). Im vorliegenden Fall ist der [X.] jedoch zu gravierend, als dass mit der nachträglichen Gewährung des rechtlichen Gehörs die Rechte des Inhabers der angegriffenen Marke in ausreichendem Maße gewahrt werden könnten. Durch die mangelnde Zustellung des Widerspruchs ist dieser ist in der Wahrnehmung seiner Rechte nicht bloß eingeschränkt, sondern vollständig gehindert. Ihm wird damit eine Entscheidungsinstanz genommen, so dass das Verfahren an das [X.] zurückzuverweisen ist (vgl. BPatG  28 W (pat) 28/19; [X.] in BeckOK [X.], [X.]. 1.4.2022, [X.] § 70 Rdnr. 39).

Eine andere Beurteilung ergibt sich auch nicht unter dem Gesichtspunkt der Prozessökonomie. Da der angefochtene Beschluss erst vor vier Monaten ergangen ist, wiegt der durch die Zurückverweisung eintretende Zeitverlust nur gering gegenüber dem ansonsten erfolgenden Verlust einer Entscheidungsinstanz.

2. Die Rückzahlung der Beschwerdegebühr ist nach § 71 Abs. 3 [X.] anzuordnen. Dies entspricht der Billigkeit, weil nicht ausgeschlossen werden kann, dass die Beschwerde bei korrekter Sachbehandlung vermieden worden wäre.

Gründe für eine Kostenauferlegung aus Billigkeitsgründen nach § 71 Abs. 1 Satz 1 [X.] sind nicht gegeben.