62021TJ0500_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Tenth Chamber) of 5 October 2022 –Philip Morris Products v EUIPO (TOGETHER. FORWARD.)
(Case T‑500/21) (
1
)
(EU trade mark – Application for EU word mark TOGETHER. FORWARD. – 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 – Definition – Criteria for assessment
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraph 12)
2.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Marks consisting of advertising slogans – Distinctive character – Application of specific criteria for assessment – Not permissible
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 14-16)
3.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Word mark TOGETHER. FORWARD.
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 19-21)
4.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Examination of the grounds for refusal having regard to each of the goods or services covered by the application for registration
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1))
(see paragraph 24)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Philip Morris Products SA to pay the costs.
(
1
)	OJ C 391, 27.9.2021.