5.2 Differences in spelling

An application may be considered a series where the marks differ due to minor changes in spelling and the variations are regarded as alternative spellings of the same word(s).

Where dictionary words are concerned, only common misspellings should be allowed. The differences in spelling must not change the pronunciation or meaning of the mark, nor affect the look of the marks.

Valid:

CENTRE-FUGUE
CENTER-FUGUE
 

Invalid:

MIXCHANGER
MYXCHANGER

In this example the change in spelling alters both the pronunciation and meaning of the mark. The first mark would be pronounced and understood as “mix changer”, whereas the second mark is more likely to be pronounced and understood as “my exchanger”. The “idea” of the mark has changed. For these reasons the two marks would not comprise a valid series.