1 Das Zeichen

2 EcoGard

3 ist am 8. September 2021 in das internationale Register als IR-Marke unter der Nummer 1 634 109 für folgende Waren eingetragen worden:

4 Klasse 1:

5 Chemicals for use in industry and science; chemicals for use in aquaculture; chemicals for use in biotechnological product development; chemicals for use in agriculture; chemicals for use in aquaria; chemicals for use in biotechnological manufacturing processes; chemicals for use in science; chemicals for use in horticulture; chemicals for use in the manufacture of adhesives; chemicals for use in forestry; biological preparations for use in industry and science; chemicals for absorbing oxygen; chemicals for use in agriculture, horticulture and forestry; enzyme preparations for industrial purposes; enzymes for industrial purposes; fermentation extracts for industrial purposes; carbon for industrial purposes; chemical preparations for use in industry; expanded clay for hydroponic plant growing [substrate]; soil for growing; fertilizers; artificial soil for plant cultivation; artificial soil for plant cultivation made from mineral materials; soil amendments; soil improving agents; soil amendments for horticultural purposes; soil amendments for agricultural purposes; potting soil; organic soil enhancement powders and preparations; soot for industrial or agricultural purposes; rare earths; salts from rare earth metals; alkaline-earth metals; soil conditioning preparations; substrates for soil-free growing [agriculture]; loam; topsoil; diatomaceous earth; leaf mold [fertilizer]; soil improving preparations; genes of seeds for agricultural production; animal charcoal; charcoal for horticultural purposes; charcoal for use as a soil conditioner; activated carbon; bone charcoal; blood charcoal; organic digestate [fertilizer]; animal manure; slag [fertilizers]; peat [fertilizer]; complex fertilizers; compost; fertilizing preparations; calcium silicate fertilizers; ammonium chloride fertilizers; fish meal fertilizers; calcium superphosphate fertilizers; calcium cyanamide [fertilizer]; phosphates [fertilizers]; urea fertilizers; double superphosphate fertilizers; gypsum for use as a fertilizer; mixed fertilizers; potassium chloride fertilizers; manganese fertilizers; ammonium nitrate fertilizers; potassium sulfate fertilizers; sodium nitrate fertilizers; triple superphosphate fertilizers; bone meal [fertilizer]; ammonium sulfate fertilizers; chemical soil conditioners; chemicals for use in industry, science and photography; diagnostic preparations for scientific purposes; diagnostic preparations for scientific or research use; diagnostic reagents for scientific or research use; chemical preparations for scientific purposes; reagents for scientific or medical research use; biochemicals for in vitro and in vivo scientific use; reagents for use in scientific apparatus for chemical or biological analysis; chemical preparations for scientific purposes, other than for medical or veterinary use; biochemical catalysts; catalysts for chemical and biochemical processes; active chemical ingredients for use in the manufacture of anti-cancer drugs; chemical substances for preserving foodstuffs; enzymes for use in the manufacture of pet food; enzymes to assist in digestion for use in the manufacture of animal feeds; plant food; chemical additives for use as binding agents for feed pellets; ferments for chemical purposes; milk ferments for the food industry; milk ferments for industrial purposes; antioxidants for use in the manufacture of cosmetics; antioxidants for use in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals; bacteria for use in the manufacture of food; bacterial preparations, other than for medical and veterinary use; humus; glucosides; bentonite; biological preparations, other than for medical or veterinary purposes; biological tissue cultures, other than for medical or veterinary purposes; reagents for research purposes; enzymes for use in the processing of food by-products; enzymes for the food industry; enzyme preparations for the food industry; pectin for the food industry; lecithin for the food industry; casein for the food industry; oils for the preservation of food; lecithin for industrial use in the manufacture of food products; gluten for the food industry; cream of tartar for the food industry; lactose for the food industry; vitamins for the food industry; proteins for the food industry; glucose for the food industry; tea extracts for the food industry; synthetic materials for absorbing oil; alginates for the food industry; sulfites for preserving foodstuffs; chemical additives for use in the manufacture of food; milk ferments [bacteria preparations] used in making foodstuffs; filtering materials of mineral substances; silicon carbide [raw material]; aromatic hydrocarbons; filtering materials of chemical substances; animal albumen [raw material]; lecithin [raw material]; lactose [raw material]; aromatic solvents for industrial and commercial use; unprocessed artificial resins as raw materials in the form of powders, liquids or pastes; cultures of microorganisms, other than for medical and veterinary use; bacteriological preparations, other than for medical and veterinary use; diagnostic reagents, other than for medical or veterinary purposes; preparations of microorganisms, other than for medical and veterinary use; adjuvants, other than for medical or veterinary purposes; chemical substances for analyses in laboratories, other than for medical or veterinary purposes;

6 Klasse 5:

7 Antimicrobial clay; herbal mud packs for therapeutic purposes; charcoal for pharmaceutical purposes; biochemical preparations for medical or veterinary purposes; biochemical preparations for medical purposes; biochemical preparations for veterinary purposes; drug delivery agents in the form of capsules that provide controlled release of the active ingredients for a wide variety of pharmaceuticals; drug delivery agents in the form of powders that provide controlled release of the active ingredients for a wide variety of pharmaceuticals; drug delivery agents in the form of tablets that provide controlled release of the active ingredients for a wide variety of pharmaceuticals; allergy relief medication; medicinal herbal extracts for medical purposes; medicated compresses; medicated chewing gum; medicated muscle soaks; sugar for medical purposes; medicated brush-on oral care gels; medicated supplements for foodstuffs for animals; medicated after-shave lotions; medicines for dental purposes; medicated cleansers for skin and wounds; pre-moistened medicated tissues; medicated baby oils; medicated douches; medicated grooming preparations; medicated wart removing preparations; medicinal creams; medicinal sprays for the mouth; medicines for human purposes; medicated oral care gels; medicinal creams for skin care; medicinal preparations and substances; medicated shampoos for pets; medical preparations for slimming purposes; medical diagnostic reagents and assays for testing of body fluids; medicinal herbal sprays and herbal creams for external body use; medical adhesives for binding wounds; medicated beverages; medicated body lotions; medicated foot powders; medical lubricants; medical plasters; medicated hair care preparations; medicated hand wash; medicated lip creams; medicated swabs; medicinal infusions; medicated shampoos; medicated toiletry preparations; medicated soap; medicines; medicinal tea; medicinal drinks; medicated lotions for sunburn; medicated baby powder; medicated lip balms; medicated lip salves; medicated skin care preparations; medicated lotions; medicated throat sprays; medicated animal feed; medicated dentifrices; medicated hair lotions; medicinal alcohol; medicated bath salts; medicated face lotions; medicated lip care preparations; medicated lozenges; medicated nasal spray preparations; medicinal health care preparations; medicinal herbal extracts; medicinal herbal infusions; medicinal preparations; medicinal radix glycyrrhizae; medicinal sprays; medicinal herbs; medicated dry shampoos; medicated mouth care and treatment preparations; pain relief medication; burn relief medication; medicated shaving preparations; medicated lotions and creams for the body, skin, face, and hands; medical and surgical plasters; medicated preparations for skin treatment; medicated bath preparations for therapeutic use; medicinal preparations for the treatment of infectious diseases; medicinal herbs in dried or preserved form; medicinal preparations for the mouth in the form of drops, capsules, tablets or compressed tablets; dressings, medical; food for babies; dietetic foods adapted for medical purposes; dietary supplements for animals; insecticidal animal shampoos; protein supplements for animals; dietary supplements for human beings and animals; pharmaceutical preparations for animals; feeding stimulants for animals; preparations of trace elements for human and animal use; antiparasitic collars for animals; dietetic animal foodstuffs for medical purposes; animal washes [insecticides]; animal feed supplements for veterinary purposes; nutritional supplements for animal foodstuffs; pharmaceutical preparations for animal skin care; preparations of trace elements for animal use; vitamins for pets; vitamin and mineral supplements for pets; dietary supplements for pets; dietary supplements for pets in the nature of a powdered drink mix; herbal sore skin ointments for pets; dietary supplements for pets in the form of treats; herbal anti-itch ointments for pets; feed supplements for veterinary purposes; nutritional supplements for livestock feed; vaccines for horses; fish oils for medical purposes; ground flaxseed fiber for use as a dietary supplement; yeast for pharmaceutical purposes; ferments for pharmaceutical purposes; yeast dietary supplements; pharmaceutical preparations for the treatment of cancer; biopharmaceuticals for the treatment of cancer; anti-cancer preparations; pharmaceutical preparations and substances for the treatment of cancer; pharmaceutical preparations and compositions for the treatment and prevention of cancer; anti-oxidants for use as dietary supplements; bacteriological preparations for medical and veterinary use; bactericides; veterinary preparations for treatment of intestinal bacteria; pharmaceutical preparations for the treatment of digestive diseases; gravel as a digestive aid for birds; digestives for pharmaceutical purposes; probiotic preparations for medical purposes to help maintain a natural balance of flora in the digestive system; glucose dietary supplements; materials for oral prophylaxis; biological tissue cultures for veterinary purposes; biological tissue cultures for medical purposes; biological and chemical reagents for medical or veterinary purposes; biological preparations for veterinary purposes; biological reagents for veterinary purposes; biological preparations for medical purposes; food for infants; food for enteral feeding; food adapted for diabetics; nutraceuticals for use as dietary supplements; freeze-dried food adapted for medical purposes; homogenized food adapted for medical purposes; nutraceuticals for therapeutic purposes; gluten-free foods adapted for medical purposes; materials for tooth restoration; material for dental prostheses; dental impression materials; material for dental fillings and dental impressions; materials for dressings; materials for artificial teeth; materials for dressing wounds; materials for repairing teeth and dental prostheses; synthetic materials for use as dental fillings; bone fillers consisting of living materials; ceramic materials for use as dental fillings; plasters, materials for dressings; dietary and nutritionally fortified food products adapted for medical purposes; dietetic food and substances adapted for medical or veterinary use, food for babies; dietetic preparations adapted for medical purposes; nematicides; anti-inflammatories; anti-inflammatory sprays; hematogen; bonding and primer materials for dental purposes; porcelain materials for use in dentistry; dental composite materials; anti-inflammatory gels; orthodontic alginate impression materials; anti-dermoinfectives; anti-inflammatory analgesic plasters; embedding material for dental purposes; teeth filling material; anti-inflammatory ointments; dietetic food supplements; asthmatic tea; fixing materials for dental purposes; lining materials for dental purposes; anti-inflammatory preparations; antimicrobials for dermatological use; anti-inflammatory and antipyretic preparations; pharmaceutical preparations and substances with anti-inflammatory properties; gels, creams and solutions for dermatological use; pharmaceutical preparations for use in dermatology; vitamins for animals; agricultural biopesticides; agricultural pesticides; pesticides for horticultural purposes; biopesticides for domestic use; pesticides for domestic use; nutritional supplements; dietary supplements for human consumption; vaccines for human use; pharmaceutical preparations for human use; antimicrobial preparations for inhibiting microbiological decomposition; anti-microbial hand wash; antibiotic preparations; antibiotic hand wash; antibiotics; antibiotic creams; antibiotic ointments; antibiotic tablets; mixed antibiotic preparations; multi-purpose medicated antibiotic creams; cultures of microorganisms for medical or veterinary use; nutritive substances for microorganism cultures; medicines for veterinary purposes; preparations of microorganisms for medical or veterinary use; veterinary preparations and substances; veterinary vaccines; veterinary preparations; dietary supplements for veterinary purposes; pharmaceuticals, medical and veterinary preparations; diagnostic reagents for veterinary purposes; amino acid preparations for veterinary purposes; chemical preparations for veterinary purposes; bacteriostats for medical, dental and veterinary purposes; nutritional supplements for veterinary purposes; chemical reagents for veterinary purposes; chemical reagents for medical or veterinary purposes; vaccines for cattle; vaccines against influenza; vaccine adjuvants; vaccine preparations; vaccines; oral vaccine preparations; nutritive substances for microorganisms; antibacterial pharmaceuticals; antibacterial substances for medical purposes; antibacterial gels; antibacterial hand lotions; antibacterial cleaners; antibacterial sprays; antibacterial soap; antibacterial handwashes; tissues impregnated with antibacterial preparations; pharmaceutical preparations; pharmaceutical preparations for treating malignant tumors; pharmaceutical preparations for use in chemotherapy; pharmaceutical preparations and substances for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases; pharmaceutical preparations and substances for use in gynecology; pharmaceutical antiallergic preparations and substances; pharmaceutical preparations for dental purposes; pharmaceutical preparations for regulating the immune system; pharmaceutical preparations and substances; medicines for alleviating constipation; pharmaceutical preparations for the treatment of diabetes; pharmaceutical preparations for the treatment of infectious diseases; pharmaceutical preparations for use in oncology; pharmaceutical drugs; pharmaceutical preparations for treating allergies; pharmaceutical preparations for the treatment of asthma; pharmaceutical preparations for treating allergic rhinitis and asthma; plant extracts for pharmaceutical purposes; flour for pharmaceutical purposes; pastilles for pharmaceutical purposes; chemical preparations for pharmaceutical purposes; cachets for pharmaceutical purposes; aloe vera preparations for pharmaceutical purposes; allergy medication; asthma treatment preparations; anti-diabetic pharmaceuticals; anti-diabetic preparations; pharmaceutical preparations for the treatment of Parkinson's disease; antidepressants; purgatives; immunostimulants; pharmaceutical preparations for immunity adjustment; pharmaceutical preparations for the treatment of autoimmune diseases; vitamin supplements; vitamin and mineral supplements; dietary supplements consisting of vitamins; vitamin and mineral dietary supplements; mineral food supplements; dietary supplements consisting of trace elements; dietary supplements consisting of minerals; dietary supplements consisting of amino acids;

8 Klasse 31:

9 Foodstuffs and beverages for animals; animal foodstuffs; pet food; bird food; bran mash for animal consumption; distillery waste for animal consumption; algarovilla for animal consumption; stall food for animals; rice meal for forage; pet treats in the nature of bully sticks; peanut meal for animals; beverages for animals; mash for fattening livestock; peanut cake for animals; animal fattening preparations; strengthening animal forage; edible chews for animals; algae, unprocessed, for human or animal consumption; foodstuffs for animals containing botanical extracts; fodder; rice bran for animal consumption; yeast for animal consumption; linseed for animal consumption; lime for animal forage; fish meal for animal consumption; linseed meal for animal consumption; mixed animal feed; algae for animal consumption; grains for animal consumption; by-products of the processing of cereals, for animal consumption; straw [forage]; soya bean meal for animal consumption; wheat germ for animal consumption; roots for animal consumption; beverages for pets; pig feed; aromatic sand [litter] for pets; horse feed; dog food; dog biscuits; beverages for dogs; edible chewing bones for dogs; digestible chewing bones for dogs; cat food; dog treats, edible; pet treats, edible; cat treats, edible; food for goldfish; food for aquarium fish; food for hamsters; food for rodents; brine shrimp for use as fish food; fish food; litter for animals; starch pulp for animal consumption; milk-based foodstuffs for animals.

10 Mit Beschluss des Deutschen Patent- und Markenamts, Markenstelle für Klasse 5, Internationale Markenregistrierung, besetzt mit einem Beamten des gehobenen Dienstes, vom 2. Januar 2023 wurde der IR-Marke 1 634 109 der Schutz in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland vollständig gemäß §§ 107, 113, 37 Abs. 1, 8 Abs. 2 Nr. 1 und Nr. 2 MarkenG in Verbindung mit Art. 5 PMMA, Art. 6^quinquies B PVÜ verweigert. Diese Entscheidung wird damit begründet, dass dem Zeichen „EcoGard“ in Verbindung mit allen beanspruchten Waren jegliche Unterscheidungskraft fehle und an ihm ein Freihaltebedürfnis bestehe. Zu den angesprochenen Verkehrskreisen gehörten sowohl der normal informierte, angemessen aufmerksame und verständige Durchschnittsverbraucher als auch der Fachverkehr im Bereich chemischer und medizinischer Erzeugnisse, industrieller Grundstoffe und Futtermittel jeglicher Art. Die IR-Marke setze sich erkennbar aus dem Kurzwort „Eco“, welches die englische Entsprechung des deutschen Kurzwortes „Öko“ darstelle und im Inland als Kurzform für „ökologisch, die Umwelt betreffend, umweltfreundlich“ verstanden werde, und dem Begriff „Gard“ im Sinne des englischen Wortes „Guard“ für „Schutz“ zusammen. Der Begriff „Gard“ sei zwar eine orthografisch fehlerhafte, aber gängige und gleichlautende Schreibung des Wortes „Guard“, weswegen der angesprochene Verkehr den werbeüblichen Begriff „Gard“ mit „Guard“ gleichsetzen werde. In ihrer Gesamtheit werde die IR-Marke lediglich als Hinweis auf Produkte verstanden, die den Umweltschutz berücksichtigten oder nach ökologischen Maßstäben hergestellt seien. Auch könne sich deren Erzeugung auf ökologische Aspekte beziehen oder könnten diese dabei im Vordergrund stehen. Der Verkehr werde die IR-Marke als Eigenschafts- oder Werbeversprechen dahingehend auffassen, dass die Waren der Klasse 1 den höchsten Ansprüchen an den Umweltschutz genügen und unter Einhaltung ökologischer Maßstäbe hergestellt würden. Entsprechendes gelte für die medizinisch-pharmazeutischen Produkte der Klasse 5, die ebenfalls unter Beachtung des Umweltschutzes produziert worden sein könnten. In Verbindung mit den Futtermitteln der Klasse 31 sei der IR-Marke ein Versprechen zum Umweltschutz dahingehend zu entnehmen, dass die für ihren Anbau benötigten landwirtschaftlichen Flächen unter ökologischen Aspekten genutzt würden.

11 Hiergegen wendet sich die IR-Markeninhaberin mit ihrer Beschwerde vom 31. Januar 2023. Sie trägt vor, dass das Zeichen „EcoGard“ nicht als bloßer Sachhinweis aufgefasst werde. Es könne nicht festgestellt werden, dass es von den angesprochenen Verkehrskreisen stets nur als Werbeaussage ohne Unterscheidungskraft verstanden werde. Die Wortkombination sei nicht nachweisbar und stelle eine Neuschöpfung dar. Die vom Deutschen Patent- und Markenamt zugrunde gelegte Bedeutung des Markenbestandteils „Gard“ im Sinne einer grammatikalisch und orthografisch nicht korrekten Abwandlung des englischen Wortes „Guard“ für „Schutz“ und „Wächter“ erkenne der inländische Verkehr nicht. Im Übrigen beschreibe der von der Markenstelle herangezogene Begriffsgehalt „Ökoschutz“ nicht die vom Schutzgesuch umfassten Waren. Es könne nicht festgestellt werden, dass die Kombination „EcoGard“ in der Werbesprache üblich sei. Auch werde sie nicht als ausschließlich werbliche Anpreisung verstanden.

12 Die Beschwerdeführerin beantragt sinngemäß,

13 den Beschluss des Deutschen Patent- und Markenamts, Markenstelle für Klasse 5, Internationale Markenregistrierung, vom 2. Januar 2023 aufzuheben.

14 Hilfsweise regt sie die Zulassung der Rechtsbeschwerde an.

15 Wegen der weiteren Einzelheiten wird auf den Akteninhalt Bezug genommen.

16 Die nach § 64 Abs. 6 Satz 1 i. V. m. § 66 Abs. 1 Satz 1 MarkenG statthafte Beschwerde ist zulässig und begründet.

17 Der international registrierten Marke 1 634 109 „EcoGard“ fehlt in Verbindung mit den verfahrensgegenständlichen Waren der Klassen 1, 5 und 31 weder jegliche Unterscheidungskraft, noch stellt sie eine freihaltebedürftige beschreibende Angabe dar. Deshalb kann ihr der Schutz für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland nicht nach §§ 107, 113, 37 Abs. 1, 8 Abs. 2 Nr. 1 und Nr. 2 MarkenG in Verbindung mit Art. 5 PMMA, Art. 6 ^quinquies B PVÜ verweigert werden.