62023TJ0434_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Seventh Chamber) of 12 February 2025 –Essity Hygiene and Health v EUIPO (Shape of a leaf)
(Case T-434/23)
(EU trade mark – Application for EU figurative mark in the shape of a leaf – Absolute ground for refusal – No distinctive character – Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 207/2009 (now 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 any distinctive character – Concept of distinctiveness – Interpretation in the light of the concept of public interest seeking to confer the protection envisaged by the regulation
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, 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 any distinctive character – Assessment of distinctive character – Criteria
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, 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 any distinctive character – Refusal to register on an absolute ground of refusal existing in only part of the Union
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(2))
(see paragraph 25)
4.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Figurative mark in the shape of a leaf
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 27, 30, 37, 41, 46)
5.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks consisting exclusively of signs or indications which may serve to designate the characteristics of a product or service – Concept
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paragraph 31)
6.
EU trade mark – Procedural provisions – Examination of the facts by EUIPO of its own motion – Scope – Obligation to prove matters within common knowledge – No such obligation
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 95(1))
(see paragraph 47)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders each party to bear its own costs.