62023TO0013_INF
Order of the General Court (Eighth Chamber) of 23 August 2023 –Balaban v EUIPO – Shenzhen Stahlwerk Welding Technology (STAHLWERK)
(Case T‑13/23) (
1
)
(EU trade mark – Invalidity proceedings – EU word mark STAHLWERK – Absolute ground for invalidity – Descriptive character – Article 7(1)(c) of Regulation (EC) No 207/2009 (now Article 7(1)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001) – Action manifestly lacking any foundation in law)
1.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Absolute grounds for invalidity – 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 18)
2.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Absolute grounds for invalidity – Marks consisting exclusively of signs or indications which may serve to designate the characteristics of a product or service – Aim – Need to preserve availability
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paragraph 19)
3.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Absolute grounds for invalidity – Marks consisting exclusively of signs or indications which may serve to designate the characteristics of a product or service – Word mark STAHLWERK
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paragraphs 26, 43, 46, 47)
4.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Absolute grounds for invalidity – Marks consisting exclusively of signs or indications which may serve to designate the characteristics of a product or service – Assessment of the descriptive character of a sign – Criteria
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paragraphs 41, 44, 45)
Operative part
1.
The action is dismissed.
2.
Each party shall bear its own costs.
(
1
)	OJ C 83, 6.3.2023.