62021TJ0275_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Tenth Chamber) of 19 October 2022 –Louis Vuitton Malletier v EUIPO – Wisniewski (Representation of a chequerboard pattern II)
(Case T‑275/21) (
1
)
(EU trade mark – Invalidity proceedings – International registration designating the European Union – Figurative mark representing a chequerboard pattern – Absolute ground for invalidity – No distinctive character acquired through use – Article 7(3) and Article 51(2) of Regulation (EC) No 40/94 (now Article 7(3) and Article 59(2) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001) – Overall assessment of the evidence of distinctive character acquired through use – Geographical scope of the evidence of distinctive character acquired through use – Evidence of use of the mark on the internet – Evidence regarding infringement proceedings)
1.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Absolute grounds for invalidity – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Criteria for assessment
(Council Regulation No 40/94, Arts 7(1)(b), and (3), and 51(1))
(see paragraphs 19, 22, 23)
2.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Absolute grounds for invalidity – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Exception – Distinctive character acquired through use – Burden of proof
(Council Regulation No 40/94, Arts 7(1)(b), and (3), and 51(1))
(see paragraphs 20, 21)
3.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Absolute grounds for invalidity – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Exception – Distinctive character acquired through use – Scope – Trade mark devoid of distinctive character throughout the EU – Acquisition by use also throughout the EU
(Council Regulation No 40/94, Arts 7(1)(b), and (3), and 51(2))
(see paragraphs 24, 25)
4.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Absolute grounds for invalidity – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Exception – Distinctive character acquired through use – Probative value of the evidence
(Council Regulation No 40/94, Arts 7(1)(b), and (3), and 51(2))
(see paragraphs 26-28)
5.
Judicial proceedings – Proof – Probative value – Criteria for assessment – Principles of the unfettered adduction of evidence and the unfettered evaluation of evidence
(Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, Arts 41 and 47; Rules of Procedure of the General Court, Art. 85)
(see paragraphs 29-31)
6.
EU trade mark – Surrender, revocation and invalidity – Absolute grounds for invalidity – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Figurative mark representing a chequerboard pattern
(Council Regulation No 40/94, Arts 7(1)(b), and (3), and 51(1))
(see paragraphs 50, 61, 71, 77, 85-97, 109, 113, 117-120, 128, 140)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Louis Vuitton Malletier to pay the costs.
(
1
)	OJ C 263, 5.7.2021.