Judgment of the General Court (Third Chamber) of 9 November 2022 –Loutsou v EUIPO (POLIS LOUTRON)
(Case T‑13/22) (1)
(EU trade mark – Application for EU figurative mark POLIS LOUTRON – Absolute grounds for refusal – Descriptive character – Article 7(1)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 – No distinctive character – Article 7(1)(b) 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 paragraph 21)
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 paragraphs 22, 29, 34)
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 – Composite mark
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paragraphs 23, 24)
4.      EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the Community 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 POLIS LOUTRON
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paragraph 27)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Ms Alexandra Loutsou to pay the costs.
1 OJ C 138, 28.3.2022.