62019TJ0626_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Second Chamber) of 9 September 2020 –Daw v EUIPO (SOS Loch- und Rissfüller)
(Case T‑626/19)
(EU trade mark – Application for EU word mark SOS Loch- und Rissfüller – Absolute grounds for refusal – No distinctive character – Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 – Descriptive character – Article 7(1)(c) of Regulation 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 – Aim – Need to preserve availability
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see para. 23)
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 – Definition
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paras 24, 36, 41)
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 – Assessment of the descriptive nature of a sign – Criteria
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paras 25, 26, 31, 32)
4.
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 SOS Loch- und Rissfüller
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paras 34, 37, 48, 49, 51, 52, 54, 63)
5.
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
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001)
(see para. 56)
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 para. 62)
Re:
Action brought against the decision of the Fourth Board of Appeal of EUIPO of18 July 2019 (Case R 278/2019-4), relating to an application for registration of the word sign SOS Loch- und Rissfüller as an EU trade mark.
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Daw SE to pay the costs.