62023TJ0426_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Second Chamber) of 13 November 2024 –Chiquita Brands v EUIPO – Compagnie financière de participation (Representation of a blue and yellow oval)
(Case T‑426/23)
(EU trade mark – Invalidity proceedings – EU figurative mark representing a blue and yellow oval – Absolute ground for invalidity – No distinctive character – Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 40/94 (now Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001) – No distinctive character acquired through use – Article 7(3) of Regulation No 40/94 (now Article 7(3) of Regulation 2017/1001))
1.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Absolute grounds for invalidity – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Concept of distinctiveness
(Council Regulation No 40/94, Arts 7(1)(b) and 51(1)(a))
(see paragraph 22)
2.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Absolute grounds for invalidity – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Assessment of distinctive character – Criteria
(Council Regulation No 40/94, Arts 7(1)(b) and 51(1)(a))
(see paragraph 23)
3.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Absolute grounds for invalidity – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Sign composed of a basic geometric figure
(Council Regulation No 40/94, Arts 7(1)(b) and 51(1)(a))
(see paragraphs 28, 29)
4.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Absolute grounds for invalidity – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Figurative mark representing a blue and yellow oval
(Council Regulation No 40/94, Arts 7(1)(b) and 51(1)(a))
(see paragraphs 36, 45, 46, 49, 55)
5.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Absolute grounds for invalidity – Signs of which a trade mark may consist – Colours or combinations of colours – Conditions
(Council Regulation No 40/94, Arts 7(1)(b) and 51(1)(a))
(see paragraphs 42-44)
6.
EU trade mark – Decisions of EUIPO – Legality – Examination by the EU judicature – Criteria
(Council Regulation No 40/94)
(see paragraph 50)
7.
EU trade mark – Decisions of EUIPO – Principle of equal treatment – Principle of good administration – EUIPO’s previous decision-making practice – Principle of legality
(Council Regulation No 40/94)
(see paragraph 51)
8.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Absolute grounds for invalidity – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Exception – Distinctive character acquired through use – Criteria for assessment
(Council Regulation No 40/94, Arts 7(3) and 51(2))
(see paragraphs 62, 64, 65, 78)
9.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Absolute grounds for invalidity – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Exception – Distinctive character acquired through use – Burden of proof
(Council Regulation No 40/94, Arts 7(3) and 51(2))
(see paragraph 63)
10.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Absolute grounds for invalidity – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Exception – Distinctive character acquired through use – Scope – Trade mark devoid of distinctive character throughout the European Union – Acquisition through use also throughout the European Union
(Council Regulation No 40/94, Arts 7(1)(b) and (3) and 51(2))
(see paragraphs 66, 67)
11.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Absolute grounds for invalidity – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Exception – Distinctive character acquired through use – Probative value of the evidence
(Council Regulation No 40/94, Arts 7(1)(b) and (3) and 51(2))
(see paragraphs 68, 69, 73)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Chiquita Brands LLC to pay the costs.