Judgment of the General Court (Fifth Chamber) of 13 September 2018 –Leifheit v EUIPO (Position of four green squares on a scale)
(Case T‑184/17)
(EU trade mark — Application for EU trade mark consisting of four green squares on a scale — Absolute ground for refusal — Lack of distinctive character — Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 207/2009 (now 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 any distinctive character — Assessment of distinctive character — Sign being confused with the appearance of the designated product
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paras 20-22, 27)
2.      EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks devoid of any distinctive character — Position mark consisting of four green squares on a scale
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paras 32-38, 46-50, 58-59)
3.      EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks devoid of any distinctive character — Assessment of distinctive character — Criteria
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paras 44, 45)
4.      EU trade mark — Decisions of the Office — Legality — Examination by the EU judicature — Criteria
(Council Regulation No 207/2009)
(see para. 62)
Re:
Action brought against the decision of the First Board of Appeal of EUIPO of 9 January 2017 (Case R 1115/2016-1) concerning an application for registration of a sign consisting of four green squares on a scale as an EU trade mark.
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Leifheit AG to pay the costs.
2.
Orders Leifheit AG to pay the costs.