62023TJ1132_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Sixth Chamber) of 23 October 2024 –Olvi v EUIPO – Koninklijke De Kuyper (FIZZ Cider)
(Case T‑1132/23) (
1
)
(EU trade mark – Invalidity proceedings – Figurative mark FIZZ Cider – Absolute grounds for invalidity – Descriptive character – No distinctive character – Article 7(1)(b) and (c) and Article 51(1)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 40/94 (now Article 7(1)(b) and (c) and Article 59(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001) – Evidence submitted for the first time before the Board of Appeal – Article 95(2) of Regulation 2017/1001 – Article 27(4) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2018/625 – Obligation to state reasons – Right to be heard – Article 94(1) of Regulation 2017/1001)
1.
EU trade mark – Procedural provisions – Examination of the facts of EUIPO’s own motion – Facts and evidence not submitted in due time – Account taken – Discretion of EUIPO
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 95(2); Commission Regulation 2018/625, Art. 27(4))
(see paragraphs 17-19, 28)
2.
EU trade mark – Procedural provisions – Statement of reasons for decisions – Scope
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 94(1))
(see paragraph 35)
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 – Aim – Need to preserve availability
(Council Regulation No 40/94, Arts 7(1)(c) and 51(1)(a))
(see paragraph 46)
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 – Meaning
(Council Regulation No 40/94, Arts 7(1)(c) and 51(1)(a))
(see paragraphs 47, 48, 57)
5.
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 40/94, Arts 7(1)(c) and 51(1)(a))
(see paragraphs 49, 50, 63)
6.
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 – Figurative mark FIZZ Cider
(Council Regulation No 40/94, Arts 7(1)(c) and 51(1)(a))
(see paragraphs 54, 56, 59, 60, 64, 65)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders each party to bear its own costs.
(
1
)	OJ C C/2024/969, 29.1.2024.