Cancelled CONTINENTE marks are no obstacle to use of later registered CONTINENTE mark

The Madrid Court of Appeal has recognised the absolute right of Modelo Continente Hipermercados SA to use its registered trademark CONTINENTE, having upheld the cancellation of Carrefour’s CONTINENTE marks due to non-use. The decision confirms that trademark registrations that are cancelled due to non-use in the market should not prevent the holder of a later registered mark from using it in that market.