62023TJ0035_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Second Chamber) of 15 November 2023 –Daimler Truck v EUIPO (YOUR PERFORMANCE PLUS)
(Case T‑35/23) (
1
)
(EU trade mark – Application for the EU word mark YOUR PERFORMANCE PLUS – 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 – Separate examination of the various grounds for refusal – Interpretation of the grounds for refusal in the light of the public interest underlying each of them
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b) and (c))
(see paragraphs 18, 19)
2.
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 paragraphs 22, 23)
3.
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 24-26)
4.
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 – Laudatory promotional formula
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 27, 35)
5.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Word mark YOUR PERFORMANCE PLUS
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 32-34, 36)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Daimler Truck AG to bear its own costs;
3.
Orders the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) to bear its own costs.
(
1
)	OJ C 94, 13.3.2023.