Judgment of the General Court (Seventh Chamber) of 26 July 2023 – Markt-Pilot v EUIPO (MARKT-PILOT)
(Case T‑22/23) (1)
(EU trade mark – Application for the EU word mark MARKT-PILOT – Absolute ground for refusal – Descriptive character – Article 7(1)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001)
1.      EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks consisting exclusively of signs or indications which may serve to designate the characteristics of a product or service – Aim – Need to preserve availability
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paragraph 13)
2.      EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks consisting exclusively of signs or indications which may serve to designate the characteristics of a product or service – Assessment of the descriptive character of a sign – Criteria
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paragraphs 14, 16, 20, 21)
3.      EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks consisting exclusively of signs or indications which may serve to designate the characteristics of a product or service – Word mark MARKT-PILOT
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paragraphs 17, 22-25, 28-30)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders each party to bear its own costs.
1 OJ C 83, 6.3.2023.