62024TJ0197_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Seventh Chamber) of 26 February 2025 –eBilet Polska v EUIPO (eBilet)
(Case T‑197/24)
(EU trade mark – Application for EU figurative mark eBilet – Absolute ground for refusal – Descriptive nature – Article 7(1)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001)
1.
EU trade mark – Appeals procedure – Action before the EU judicature – Jurisdiction of the General Court – Alteration of a decision of EUIPO – Assessment in the light of the powers conferred on the Board of Appeal
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 72(3))
(see paragraph 9)
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 – Concept
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paragraphs 15, 16)
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 – Assessment of the descriptive character of a sign – Criteria
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paragraph 17)
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 – Aim – Need to preserve availability
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paragraph 18)
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 – Figurative mark eBilet
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paragraphs 24, 26-28)
6.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Refusal of registration based on one of the absolute grounds for refusal set out in Article 7(1) of Regulation 2017/1001 – Whether sufficient
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1))
(see paragraph 32)
7.
EU trade mark – Decisions of EUIPO – Principle of equal treatment – Principle of sound administration – EUIPO’s previous decision-making practice – Principle of legality – Need for a stringent and full examination in each individual case
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001)
(see paragraph 36)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders each party to bear its own costs.