62022TJ0745_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Sixth Chamber) of 13 September 2023 –DGNB v EUIPO (Representation of a curved white line in a dark square)
(Case T‑745/22) (
1
)
(EU trade mark – Application for an EU figurative mark representing a curved white line in a dark square – Absolute ground for refusal – No 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 – Concept – Criteria for assessment
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 13, 14)
2.
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 paragraphs 19-21, 23)
3.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Figurative mark representing a curved white line in a dark square with corners in part rounded
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraph 27)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders each party to bear its own costs.
(
1
)	OJ C 24, 23.1.2023.