62021TJ0549_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Single Judge) of 26 April 2023 –Rochem Group v EUIPO – Rochem Marine (ROCHEM)
(Case T‑549/21) (
1
)
(EU trade mark – Invalidity proceedings – International registration designating the European Union – Figurative mark ROCHEM – Earlier national figurative mark ROCHEM MARINE – Relative ground for invalidity – Proof of genuine use of the earlier mark – Articles 15 and 57(2) of Regulation (EC) No 207/2009 (now Articles 18 and 64(2) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001))
1.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Examination of the application – Proof of use of the earlier mark – Genuine use – Concept – Interpretation taking account of the rationale of Article 57(2) and (3) of Regulation No 207/2009
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 57(2) and (3))
(see paragraph 32)
2.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Examination of the application – Proof of use of the earlier mark – Genuine use – Concept – Criteria for assessment
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 57(2) and (3))
(see paragraphs 33, 36)
3.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Examination of the application – Proof of use of the earlier mark – Genuine use – Application of the criteria to the case in question
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 57(2) and (3))
(see paragraph 34)
4.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Examination of the application – Proof of use of the earlier mark – Genuine use – Concept – Criteria for assessment – Requirement of solid and objective evidence
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 57(2) and (3))
(see paragraph 35)
5.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Relative grounds for invalidity – Existence of an identical or similar earlier mark registered for identical or similar goods or services – Likelihood of confusion with the earlier mark – Figurative marks ROCHEM and ROCHEM MARINE
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 57(2) and (3))
(see paragraphs 47-49, 54, 56-58, 65)
6.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Examination of the application – Proof of use of the earlier mark – Genuine use – Concept – Criteria for assessment – Company name or trade name
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 57(2) and (3))
(see paragraph 60)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Rochem Group AG to pay the costs.
(
1
)	OJ C 422, 18.10.2021.