62024TJ0147_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Second Chamber) of 29 January 2025 –Doorinn v EUIPO (Position of a label on a mattress)
(Case T‑147/24)
(EU trade mark – Application for the EU trade mark consisting of the position of a label on a mattress – 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 any distinctive character – Concept of distinctiveness
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraph 15)
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 – Sign being confused with the appearance of the designated product
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 16-18)
3.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Position mark – Concept
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraph 21)
4.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Mark consisting of the position of a label on a mattress
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 23, 32, 43, 46-50)
5.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – 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 paragraph 29)
6.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Three-dimensional trade marks consisting of the shape of the product itself – Distinctive character – Criteria for assessment – Shape in question being a ‘variant’ of the habitual shapes of the type of products concerned – Fact not sufficient to establish distinctiveness of the mark
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 34, 35, 37, 45)
7.
EU trade mark – Decisions of EUIPO – Legality – Examination by the EU judicature – Criteria
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001)
(see paragraph 52)
8.
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 paragraph 53)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders each party to bear its own costs.