62019TJ0255_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Tenth Chamber) of 12 December 2019 –Baustoffwerke Gebhart & Söhne v EUIPO (BIOTON)
(Case T‑255/19)
(EU trade mark — Application for EU word mark BIOTON — Absolute ground for refusal — Descriptive character — Article 7(1)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 — No distinctive character — Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation 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 — Meaning
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see para. 13)
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 — Assessment of the descriptive nature of a sign — Criteria
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paras 14, 15, 26)
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 — Word mark BIOTON
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))
(see paras 17-23, 25, 28)
4.
EU trade mark — Decisions of the Office — Legality — EUIPO’s previous decision-making practice
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001)
(see para. 27)
Re:
Action brought against the decision of the Fourth Board of Appeal of EUIPO of 20 February 2019 (Case R 1887/2018-4), relating to an application for registration of the word sign BOITON as an EU trade mark.
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Baustoffwerke Gebhart & Söhne GmbH & Co. KG to pay the costs.