62023TJ0343_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Single Judge) of 12 June 2024 –Katjes Fassin v EUIPO (Beyond Chocolate)
(Case T‑343/23) (
1
)
(EU trade mark – Application for the EU word mark Beyond Chocolate – Absolute ground for refusal – No distinctive character – Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 – Examination of the facts of EUIPO’s own motion – Article 95(1) of Regulation 2017/1001)
1.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Concept of distinctiveness
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraph 11)
2.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Assessment of distinctive character – Criteria
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraph 12)
3.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Marks consisting of advertising slogans – Distinctive character – Application of specific criteria for assessment – Not permissible
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraph 14)
4.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Marks consisting of advertising slogans – Distinctive character – Criteria for assessment
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 15, 16)
5.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of any distinctive character – Word mark Beyond Chocolate
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 18, 22, 23, 39)
6.
EU trade mark – Procedural provisions – Examination of the facts of EUIPO’s own motion – Registration of a new trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Burden of proof
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Arts 7(1) and 95(1))
(see paragraphs 43-45)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders the applicant to pay the costs.
(
1
)	OJ C 278, 7.8.2023.