62019TO0833_INF
Order of the General Court (Sixth Chamber) of 22 October 2020 –Grammer v EUIPO (Representation of a geometric figure)
(Case T‑833/19)
(Action for annulment – EU trade mark – Application for an EU figurative mark representing a geometric figure – Absolute ground for refusal – Lack of distinctive character – Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 – Action manifestly lacking any foundation in law)
1.
Judicial proceedings – Decision taken by way of reasoned order – Possibility of ruling without an oral procedure – Action manifestly lacking any foundation in law
(Rules of Procedure of the General Court, Art. 126)
(see para. 15)
2.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Concept
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see para. 18)
3.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Assessment of distinctive character – Criteria
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paras 19, 56, 69)
4.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Figurative mark representing a geometric figure
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paras 25, 26, 29, 38-43, 50)
5.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Assessment of distinctive character – Criteria – Perception of the trade mark by the relevant public – Attention level of the public
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paras 27, 28)
6.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Concept – Criteria for assessment – Recognition of the distinctiveness of the sign not subject to a finding of a certain level of creativity or linguistic or artistic imagination
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paras 34-36)
7.
EU trade mark – Decisions of the Office – Principle of equal treatment – Principle of sound administration – EUIPO's previous decision-making practice – Principle of legality – Need for a strict and complete examination in each particular case
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001)
(see paras 63, 64, 66)
Re:
Action brought against the decision of the Second Board of Appeal of EUIPO of 19 September 2019 (Case R 1478/2019-2), relating to the application for registration of a figurative sign representing a geometric figure as a European Union trade mark.
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action as manifestly lacking any foundation in law;
2.
Orders Grammer AG pay the costs.