62022TJ0010_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Seventh Chamber) of 5 July 2023 –Wajos v EUIPO (Shape of a container)
(Case T‑10/22) (
1
)
(EU trade mark – Application for a three-dimensional EU trade mark – Shape of a container – Absolute ground for refusal – Sign consisting exclusively of the shape of goods which is necessary to obtain a technical result – Article 7(1)(e)(ii) of Regulation (EC) No 207/2009 (now Article 7(1)(e)(ii) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001) – Decision taken following the annulment by the General Court of an earlier decision – Res judicata)
1.
Judicial proceedings – Res judicata – Scope
(see paragraph 16)
2.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Concept – Criteria for assessment
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraph 18)
3.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Signs which consist exclusively of the shape of goods which is necessary to obtain a technical result – Meaning – Interpretation in the light of the public interest underlying each of them
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(e)(ii))
(see paragraphs 19, 35)
4.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Signs which consist exclusively of the shape of goods which is necessary to obtain a technical result – Perception of the average consumer – Effect
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(e)(ii))
(see paragraph 20)
5.
EU trade mark – Appeals procedure – Action before the EU judicature – Implementation of a judgment annulling a decision adopted by a Board of Appeal – New examination of the appeal
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 72(6))
(see paragraph 24)
6.
EU trade mark – Decisions of EUIPO – Legality – Examination by the EU judicature – Criteria – EUIPO examination guidelines – Effect
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001)
(see paragraph 27)
7.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Signs which consist exclusively of the shape of goods which is necessary to obtain a technical result – Meaning – Presence of non-essential characteristics with no technical function – Existence of other shapes allowing the same technical result to be obtained – Not relevant to the ground for refusal
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(e)(ii))
(see paragraphs 36-38, 49)
8.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Signs which consist exclusively of the shape of goods which is necessary to obtain a technical result – Identification of the essential characteristics of a sign
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(e)(ii))
(see paragraph 39)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Wajos GmbH to pay the costs.
(
1
)	OJ C 84, 21.2.2022.