62019TJ0707_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Second Chamber) of 10 June 2020 –FF&GB v EUIPO (ONE-OFF)
(Case T‑707/19)
(EU trade mark – Application for EU figurative mark ONE-OFF – Absolute ground for refusal – No distinctive character – Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001)
1.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Concept – Criteria for assessment – Recognition of the distinctiveness of the sign not subject to a finding of a certain level of creativity or linguistic or artistic imagination
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paras 17, 18, 20)
2.
EU trade mark – Mark not fulfilling its fundamental function – No public interest justifying protection under Regulation 2017/1001
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see para. 19)
3.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Figurative mark ONE-OFF
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paras 25, 26, 32, 35, 36, 43, 44)
4.
EU trade mark – Decisions of the Office – Principle of equal treatment – Principle of sound administration – EUIPO’s previous decision-making practice – Principle of legality – Need for a strict and complete examination in each particular case – Obligation to take into consideration the decision to register the earlier EU trade mark
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001)
(see paras 37-40)
Re:
Action brought against the decision of the Fifth Board of Appeal of EUIPO of 12 August 2019 (Case R 239/2019-5), concerning an application for registration of the figurative sign ONE-OFF as an EU trade mark.
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders FF&GB Srl to pay the costs.