62022TJ0239_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Eighth Chamber) of 7 June 2023 –Cherusci v EUIPO – LexDellmeier (RIALTO)
(Case T‑239/22) (
1
)
(EU trade mark – Revocation proceedings – EU word mark RIALTO – No genuine use of the trade mark – No proper reasons for non-use – Article 58(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001)
1.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Application for revocation – Admissibility – Conditions – Interest in bringing proceedings
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 63(1)(a))
(see paragraphs 38-41)
2.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Application for revocation – Admissibility – Conditions – Misuse of rights – Irrelevant
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 63(1)(a))
(see paragraph 42)
3.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Grounds for revocation – Lack of genuine use of the mark – Concept of ‘proper reasons’ for non-use – Independent and uniform interpretation – Obstacles bearing a direct relation to the trade mark rendering its use unreasonable or impossible and independent of the volition of the trade mark proprietor
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Arts 18(1) and 58(1)(a))
(see paragraphs 53-56)
4.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Examination of the application – Proof of use of the earlier mark – Genuine use or proper reasons for non-use – Burden of proof
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Arts 18(1) and 58(1)(a))
(see paragraphs 57, 86)
5.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Grounds for revocation – Lack of genuine use of the mark – Word mark RIALTO
(see paragraphs 59, 60, 66, 68, 87)
6.
EU trade mark – Procedural provisions – Decisions of EUIPO – Observance of the rights of the defence – Scope of the principle
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 94(1), second sentence)
(see paragraph 71)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Cherusci Ltd to pay the costs.
(
1
)	OJ C 237, 20.6.2022.