If you say Supermac, people might think of a giant McDonald’s. But not in Ireland. In Ireland, Supermac’s is a chain of restaurants. Since 1978, and they have over 100 restaurants!
But as sole ruler of the word MAC, McDonald’s is not happy with the expansion of Supermac’s in Europe. An European application could count on an opposition by McDonald’s. The similarity between the marks, and also the naming of the menu and dishes, could create confusion.
Supermac’s is surprised, especially because the two brands co-exist in Ireland for a very long time. Unfortunately for Supermac’s, the co-existence is not crucial during an opposition. The OHIM will look to the new situation, an application for the EU. And people in other countries are not quite familiar with Supermac’s.