58Consequently, unlike the factor of the similarity of the signs at issue, the factor of the reputation and distinctive character of the earlier mark does not involve a comparison between a number of signs, but concerns only one sign, namely the sign which the opponent has registered as a mark. Since those two factors are thus fundamentally different in scope, examination of one of them does not allow conclusions to be drawn concerning the other. Even where the earlier mark has a high degree of distinctive character by reason of its reputation, that fact does not make it possible to determine whether and, if so, to what extent that mark is visually, phonetically and conceptually similar to the mark in respect of which registration is sought.
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