62020TJ0622_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Sixth Chamber) of 14 July 2021 –Aldi v EUIPO (Cachet)
(Case T‑622/20)
(EU trade mark – Application for the EU word mark Cachet – Absolute grounds for refusal – Descriptive character – Distinctive character – Article 7(1)(b) and (c) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001)
1.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks composed exclusively of signs or indications capable of designating the characteristics of a product or service – Aim – Need to preserve availability
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see para. 13)
2.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks composed exclusively of signs or indications capable of designating the characteristics of a product or service – Meaning
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paras 14, 15)
3.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks composed exclusively of signs or indications capable of designating the characteristics of a product or service – Assessment of the descriptive nature of a sign – Criteria
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paras 16, 17)
4.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks composed exclusively of signs or indications capable of designating the characteristics of a product or service – Word mark Cachet
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paras 25, 29-31)
5.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Word mark Cachet
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paras 36, 37)
Re:
Action brought against the decision of the Fourth Board of Appeal of EUIPO of 11 August 2020 (Case R 452/2020-4), concerning an application for registration of the word sign Cachet as an EU trade mark.
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Annuls the decision of the Fourth Board of Appeal of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) of 11 August 2020 (Case R 452/2020-4) in so far as it concerns the ‘sanitary preparations for medical purposes’ referred to in the trade mark application;
2.
Dismisses the action as to the remainder;
3.
Orders Aldi GmbH & Co. KG and EUIPO to bear their own respective costs.