62023TJ1096_INF
Judgment of the General Court (First Chamber) of 26 March 2025 –Lotus Bakeries v EUIPO (Combination of the colours red and white)
(Case T‑1096/23)
(EU trade mark – Application for an EU trade mark consisting of a combination of the colours red and white – Absolute ground for refusal – No distinctive character – Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 – Proportionality – Equal treatment – Obligation to state reasons – Article 94(1) of Regulation 2017/1001 – Request for referral to the Grand Chamber – Article 28 of the Rules of Procedure of the General Court)
1.
EU trade mark – Appeals procedure – Action before the EU judicature – Jurisdiction of the General Court – Directions issued to EUIPO – Not included
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 72(6))
(see paragraph 15)
2.
EU trade mark – Procedural provisions – Statement of reasons for decisions – First sentence of Article 94(1) of Regulation 2017/1001 – Scope identical to that of Article 296 TFEU – Essential procedural requirement
(Art. 296, second para., TFEU; European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 94(1), first sentence)
(see paragraphs 20, 21)
3.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Concept of distinctiveness
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraph 30)
4.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Signs of which a trade mark may consist – Colours or combinations of colours – Condition – Distinctive character – Account to be taken of the public interest in not unduly restricting the availability of colours
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 31-33, 36, 45, 52)
5.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Assessment of distinctive character – Criteria
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 34, 35)
6.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Mark consisting of a combination of the colours red and white
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 48-51, 57, 59, 60, 62)
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
(see paragraphs 66, 67)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Lotus Bakeries to pay the costs.