62024TJ0307_INF
Judgment of the General Court (First Chamber) of 12 March 2025 –Shorts International v EUIPO (SHORTS)
(Case T‑307/24)
(EU trade mark – Application for EU word mark SHORTS – 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 – Concept
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paragraphs 16, 17, 25, 29, 45, 46)
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 paragraph 18)
3.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Examination of the grounds for refusal having regard to each of the goods or services covered by the application for registration – Obligation to state the reasons for refusing to register – Scope
(European Parliament and Council Regulation No 2017/1001, Arts 7(1) and 94(1), first sentence)
(see paragraphs 34, 35)
4.
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 – Concept of characteristic
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paragraphs 47, 48)
5.
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 SHORTS
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paragraphs 49-55, 57-63)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Shorts International Ltd and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) each to bear their own costs.