62019TJ0806_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Ninth Chamber) of 23 February 2022 –Govern d’Andorra v EUIPO (Andorra)
(Case T‑806/19) (
1
)
(EU trade mark – Application for EU figurative mark Andorra – Absolute ground for refusal – Descriptive character – Article 7(1)(c) of Regulation (EC) No 207/2009 (now Article 7(1)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001))
1.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks composed exclusively of signs or indications capable of designating the characteristics of a product or service – Assessment of the descriptive nature of a sign – Geographical names
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paras 15-22, 32)
2.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks composed exclusively of signs or indications capable of designating the characteristics of a product or service – Perception of the sign by the relevant public
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paras 28-30)
3.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks composed exclusively of signs or indications capable of designating the characteristics of a product or service – Figurative mark Andorra
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paras 39, 47, 51-53, 60, 61, 69, 70, 79, 90, 91)
4.
EU trade mark – Appeals procedure – Appeal to a Board of Appeal – Competence of the Boards of Appeal – New full examination of the merits
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 64(1))
(see para. 49)
5.
EU trade mark – Decisions of the Office – Legality – EUIPO’s previous decision-making practice
(Council Regulation No 207/2009)
(see para. 103)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Govern d’Andorra to pay the costs.
(
1
)	OJ C 27, 27.1.2020.