62024TJ0516_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Third Chamber) of 10 September 2025 –Vintae Luxury Wine Specialists v EUIPO – R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia (LOPEZ DE HEREDIA)
(Case T‑516/24)
(EU trade mark – Revocation proceedings – EU word mark LOPEZ DE HEREDIA – Article 58(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 – Genuine use of the mark – Nature and extent of use – Proof of genuine use)
1.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Grounds for revocation – Lack of genuine use of the mark – Proof of use – Genuine use – Concept – Criteria for assessment – Requirement of solid and objective evidence
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 58(1)(a); Commission Regulation 2018/625, Arts 10(3) and (4) and 19(1))
(see paragraphs 15-17, 19-21, 34-36, 86)
2.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Grounds for revocation – Lack of genuine use of the mark – Proof of use – Burden of proof
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 58(1)(a))
(see paragraph 18)
3.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Grounds for revocation – Lack of genuine use of the mark – Use of the mark in a form differing in elements which do not alter the distinctive character of the mark – Subject matter and scope of Article 18(1)(a) of Regulation 2017/1001 – Examination of alteration of distinctive character
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Arts 18(1)(a) and 58(1)(a))
(see paragraphs 66-69)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Vintae Luxury Wine Specialists SLU to bear its own costs and to pay those incurred by R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia, SA;
3.
Orders the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) to bear its own costs.