62021TJ0744_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Ninth Chamber) of 8 June 2022 –Medela v EUIPO (MAXFLOW)
(Case T‑744/21) (
1
)
(EU trade mark – Application for the EU word mark MAXFLOW – 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 composed exclusively of signs or indications capable of designating the characteristics of a product or service – Definition – Mark composed of a word or neologism resulting from a combination of elements
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paras 13, 14, 28, 32)
2.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks composed exclusively of signs or indications capable of designating the characteristics of a product or service – Assessment of the descriptive nature of a sign – Criteria
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paras 15, 31)
3.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks composed exclusively of signs or indications capable of designating the characteristics of a product or service – Word mark MAXFLOW
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001)
(see paras 26, 29, 36, 39)
4.
EU trade mark – Decisions of EUIPO – EUIPO’s previous decision-making practice – Principle of legality – Need for a strict and complete examination in each particular case
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001)
(see paras 40, 41)
5.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Assessment of the registrability of a sign – EU rules only taken into account – Earlier registration of the mark in certain Member States or third countries – Decisions not binding EU bodies
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001)
(see para. 43)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Medela Holding AG to pay the costs.
(
1
)	OJ C 37, 24.1.2022.