62022TO0231_INF
Order of the General Court (Ninth Chamber) of 8 November 2022 –Growth Finance Plus v EUIPO (doglover)
(Case T‑231/22) (
1
)
(EU trade mark – Application for EU word mark doglover – Absolute ground for refusal – No distinctive character – Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 – Action manifestly lacking any foundation in law)
1.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Concept
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraph 19)
2.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Assessment of distinctive character – Criteria
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 20, 21)
3.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Marks consisting of advertising slogans – Distinctive character
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 22, 23)
4.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Word mark doglover
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 25, 26, 29, 33, 35, 36)
5.
EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Assessment of the registrability of a sign – EU rules only taken into account – Earlier registration of the mark in certain Member States or third countries – Decisions not binding EU bodies
(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001)
(see paragraph 39)
Operative part
1.
The action is dismissed.
2.
Growth Finance Plus AG shall pay the costs.
(
1
)	OJ C 237, 20.6.2022.