62021TJ0259_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Fifth Chamber) of 12 January 2022 –Neolith Distribution v EUIPO (Representation of an ornamental pattern)
(Case T‑259/21)
(EU trade mark – Application for an EU pattern mark – Representation of an ornamental pattern – Absolute ground for refusal – Lack of distinctive character – Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001)
1.
EU trade mark – Appeals procedure – Action before the EU judicature – Jurisdiction of the General Court – Direction issued to the Office – Not included
(Art. 263 TFEU; European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 72(6))
(see para. 10)
2.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Concept
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paras 16, 17)
3.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Pattern marks applied to the surface of the product – Distinctive character – Criteria for assessment
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b); Commission Regulation 2018/626, Art. 3(3)(e))
(see paras 18, 28, 31, 32, 34)
4.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Recognition of the distinctive character of the sign not subject to a finding of a specific level of linguistic or artistic creativity or imaginativeness
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see para. 19)
5.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Pattern mark representing an ornamental pattern
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paras 20, 21, 29, 35, 36, 38)
6.
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 strict and complete examination in each particular case
(European Parliament and Council Regulation No 2017/1001)
(see paras 42-44)
7.
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
(Art. 296 TFEU; European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 94(1), first sentence)
(see paras 50, 51)
Re:
Action brought against the decision of the Fourth Board of Appeal of EUIPO of 12 March 2021 (Case R 2155/2020-4), regarding an application for registration of a pattern sign representing an ornamental pattern as an EU trade mark.
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Neolith Distribution, SL to pay the costs.