62021TJ0700_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Second Chamber) of 21 September 2022 –Voco v EUIPO (Shape of packaging)
(Case T‑700/21) (
1
)
(EU trade mark – Application for a three-dimensional EU trade mark – Shape of packaging – Absolute ground for refusal – Lack of distinctive character – Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001)
1.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Three-dimensional trade marks consisting of the shape of the product itself – Distinctive character – Criteria for assessment
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 16-19, 27, 28, 57)
2.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Three-dimensional trade mark consisting of the shape of packaging
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 25, 31, 32, 45, 48, 52, 55, 59)
3.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Lack of distinctiveness – Trade mark made up of several elements – Possible for the competent authority to examine each of the elements making up the trade mark – Need to take account of the overall perception of the combination by the relevant public
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 38, 40)
4.
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
(see paragraph 60)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Voco GmbH to pay the costs.
(
1
)	OJ C 2, 3.1.2022.