Judgment of the General Court (Tenth Chamber) of 30 March 2022 –Daimler v EUIPO (Representation of three-pointed stars on a black background III)
(Case T‑280/21) (1)
(EU trade mark – Application for EU figurative mark – Representation of three-pointed stars on a black background III – 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 – Assessment of distinctive character – Sign being confused with the appearance of the designated product
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paras 11, 12, 17-21)
2.      EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Figurative mark representing three-pointed stars on a black background III
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paras 22, 26, 31, 33-35)
3.      EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Assessment of the registrability of a sign – EU rules only taken into account – Decisions of national authorities not binding EU bodies
(see para. 30)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Daimler AG to pay the costs.
1 OJ C 278, 12.7.2021.