62022TJ0199_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Eighth Chamber) of 29 March 2023 –Perfetti Van Melle v EUIPO (Representation of a cylindrical container with a wavy outline)
(Case T‑199/22) (
1
)
(EU trade mark – Application for an EU figurative mark representing a cylindrical container with a wavy outline – Absolute ground for refusal – No distinctive character – Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 – Obligation to state reasons)
1.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Three-dimensional trade marks consisting of the shape of the product itself – Distinctive character – Criteria for assessment
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 11-13, 22-25, 35)
2.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Figurative mark consisting of the two-dimensional representation of a product – Distinctive character – Criteria for assessment
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraph 26)
3.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Figurative mark representing the wavy outline of a cylindrical container
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 27, 36-40)
4.
EU trade mark – Decisions of EUIPO – Principle of equal treatment – Principle of good administration – EUIPO’s previous decision-making practice – Principle of legality – Need for a stringent and full examination in each individual case
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 94(1))
(see paragraphs 41, 42)
5.
EU trade mark – Procedural provisions – Statement of reasons for decisions – First sentence of Article 94(1) of Regulation 2017/1001 – Scope identical to that of Article 296 TFEU – Recourse by the Board of Appeal to implicit reasoning – Whether permissible
(Art. 296 TFEU; Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, Art. 41(2); European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 94(1), first sentence)
(see paragraphs 47, 48)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Perfetti Van Melle SpA to pay the costs.
(
1
)	OJ C 222, 7.6.2022.