62023TJ0388_INF
Judgment of the General Court (First Chamber) of 17 April 2024 –Ergotopia v EUIPO (WellBack)
(Case T‑388/23) (
1
)
(EU trade mark – Application for EU word mark WellBack – Absolute ground for refusal – Lack of distinctive character – Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 – Equal treatment)
1.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Concept of distinctiveness – Interpretation in the light of the concept of public interest seeking to confer the protection envisaged by Regulation 2017/1001
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 18, 20)
2.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Assessment of distinctive character – Criteria
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 19, 21, 31)
3.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Marks consisting of advertising slogans – Distinctive character – Criteria for assessment
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraph 22)
4.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Word mark WellBack
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 29, 33, 35, 37)
5.
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 stringent and full examination in each individual case
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001)
(see paragraphs 41, 42)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Declares that Ergotopia GmbH and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) are each to bear their own costs.
(
1
)	OJ C 296, 21.8.2023.