62021TJ0737_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Second Chamber) of 14 September 2022 –Refractory Intellectual Property v EUIPO (e-tech)
(Case T‑737/21) (
1
)
(EU trade mark – Application for EU word mark e-tech – 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
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 12, 13)
2.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Assessment of distinctive character – Criteria
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraph 14)
3.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Trade mark made up of several elements – Possible for the competent authority to examine each of the elements making up the trade mark – Need to take account of the overall perception of the combination by the relevant public
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraph 18)
4.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Word mark e-tech
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 28-33)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Refractory Intellectual Property GmbH & Co. KG to pay the costs.
(
1
)	OJ C 37, 24.1.2022.