62022TJ0277_INF
Judgment of the General Court (First Chamber) of 6 September 2023 –Groz-Beckert v EUIPO (Position of the colours red and white on cuboid packaging)
(Case T‑277/22) (
1
)
(EU trade mark – Application for the EU trade mark consisting in the application of the colours red and white to cuboid packaging – 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 – Appeals procedure – Action before the EU judicature – Jurisdiction of the General Court – Re-evaluation of the facts in the light of evidence produced for the first time before it – Precluded
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 72)
(see paragraph 10)
2.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Concept – Criteria for assessment
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 17, 23, 36, 53)
3.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Signs of which a trade mark may consist – Colours or combinations of colours – Condition – Distinctive character – Account to be taken of the public interest in not unduly restricting the availability of colours
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 18-22)
4.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Marks constituted by a colour or combination of colours
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraph 26)
5.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Mark consisting in the application of the colours red and white to cuboid packaging
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 27-34)
6.
EU trade mark – Decisions of EUIPO – Principle of equal treatment – Principle of sound administration – EUIPO’s previous decision-making practice – Principle of legality – Need for a stringent and full examination in each individual case
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001)
(see paragraphs 42, 43)
7.
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, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 48, 49, 51)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Groz-Beckert KG to pay the costs.
(
1
)	OJ C 257, 4.7.2022.