62024TJ0133_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Sixth Chamber) of 21 May 2025 –KnitPro International v EUIPO – 135 Kirkstall (Representation of chevrons between two parallel lines)
(Case T‑133/24)
(EU trade mark – Invalidity proceedings – EU figurative mark representing chevrons between two parallel lines – Absolute ground for invalidity – No distinctive character – Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 207/2009 (now Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001) – Examination of the grounds for invalidity by the Grand Board of Appeal)
1.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Absolute grounds for invalidity – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Concept of distinctiveness – Interpretation in the light of the concept of the public interest in granting the protection intended by Regulation No 207/2009
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 33, 34, 72)
2.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Absolute grounds for invalidity – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Assessment of distinctive character – Criteria
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 35, 51-57, 73, 74, 94)
3.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Absolute grounds for invalidity – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Figurative mark representing chevrons between two parallel lines
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 44, 59-64, 77, 97, 108)
4.
EU trade mark – Procedural provisions – Examination of the facts of EUIPO’s own motion – Registration of a new trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Burden of proof
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraph 76)
5.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Absolute grounds for invalidity – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Three-dimensional trade marks consisting of the shape of the product itself – Distinctive character – Criteria for assessment – Norm or customs of the sector – Definition
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraph 87)
6.
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
(see paragraphs 103, 104)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders KnitPro International to bear its own costs and to pay those incurred by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and 135 Kirkstall, Inc. for the purposes of the proceedings before the General Court.