62019TJ0533_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Sixth Chamber) of 8 July 2020 –Artur Florêncio & Filhos, Affsports v EUIPO – Anadeco Gestion (sflooring)
(Case T‑533/19)
(EU trade mark – Opposition proceedings – Application for EU figurative mark sflooring – Earlier national word mark T-FLOORING – Proof of genuine use of the earlier mark – Article 42(2) and (3) of Regulation (EC) No 207/2009 (now Article 47(2) and (3) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001))
1.
EU trade mark – Observations of third parties and opposition – Examination of the opposition – Proof of use of the earlier mark – Genuine use – Definition – Interpretation taking account of the rationale of Article 47(2) and (3) of Regulation No 207/2009
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Recital 10, Art. 42(2) and (3); Commission Regulation No 2868/95, Art. 1, rule 22(3))
(see para. 29)
2.
EU trade mark – Observations of third parties and opposition – Examination of the opposition – Proof of use of the earlier mark – Genuine use – Definition – Criteria for assessment
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 42(2) and (3))
(see paras 30-35)
3.
EU trade mark – Procedural provisions – Opposition proceedings – Facts and evidence not produced in support of the opposition within the period prescribed for that purpose – Account taken – Discretion of the Board of Appeal
(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Arts 42(2) and (3) and 76(2); Commission Regulation No 2868/95, Art. 1, rule 22(2))
(see paras 67, 68)
Re:
Action brought against the decision of the Fourth Board of Appeal of EUIPO du 20 May 2019 (Case R 1870/2018-4), relating to opposition proceedings between Anadeco Gestion and Artur Florêncio & Filhos, Affsports.
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Annuls the decision of the Fourth Chamber of the Board of Appeal of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) of 20 May 2019 (Case R 1870/2018-4);
2.
The appeal is dismissed for the remainder;
3.
L’EUIPO et Anadeco Gestion, SA to bear their own costs and each to pay half of the costs incurred by Artur Florêncio & Filhos, Affsports Lda before the General Court and the Board of Appeal.