32The possibility of such a conflict must be considered from two different angles. Firstly, with regard to the substantive scope of the abovementioned provisions, the earlier mark and the mark applied for must be identical or similar, as must the goods or services designated by those marks, so that confusion may arise between the two signs. Secondly, concerning the temporal scope of those provisions, both those marks must coexist for a certain period. The function of an earlier mark as a means of identifying its origin cannot be undermined by another mark which is registered only after the term of protection of the earlier mark has expired. If there is no period during which both marks coexist, no conflict can arise.