62021TJ0501_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Tenth Chamber) of 5 October 2022 –Philip Morris Products v EUIPO (Representation of angular lines in black and white)
(Case T‑501/21) (
1
)
(EU trade mark – Application for EU figurative mark representing angular lines in black and white – 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 – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Definition – Criteria for assessment
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 1001/2017, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraph 14)
2.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Sign composed of a basic geometric figure
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 1001/2017, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 17, 18)
3.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Figurative mark representing angular lines in black and white
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 1001/2017, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 19-22, 25)
4.
EU trade mark – Mark not fulfilling its fundamental function – No general interest in conferring thereon the protection referred to by Regulation 2017/1001
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraph 27)
5.
EU trade mark – Procedural provisions – Statement of reasons for decisions – Scope
(Art. 296 TFEU, second para.; Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council 2017/1001, Art. 94(1), first sentence)
(see paragraph 33)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Philip Morris Products SA to pay the costs.
(
1
)	OJ C 391, 27.9.2021.