Judgment of the General Court (Sixth Chamber) of 11 July 2019 –Wewi Mobile v EUIPO (Fi Network)
(Case T‑601/18)
(EU trade mark — Application for EU word mark Fi Network — Absolute ground for refusal — Lack of 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 paras 15, 37)
2.      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 16, 17)
3.      EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks devoid of distinctive character — Word mark Fi Network
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paras 27, 39, 48, 51, 52, 63, 65)
4.      EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks devoid of 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 — Scope of protection of the mark
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see para. 32)
5.      EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Lack of distinctive character in relation only to certain products falling within that category not precluding recognition of lack of distinctiveness of the sign in relation to products in that category as a whole
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see para. 59)
Re:
Action brought against the decision of the First Board of Appeal of EUIPO of12 July 2018 (Case R 1462/2017-1), relating to an application for registration of the word sign Fi Network as an EU trade mark.
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Wewi Mobile, SLto pay the costs.