62021TJ0545_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Tenth Chamber) of 29 March 2023 –Tinnus Enterprises v EUIPO – Mystic Products (Fluid distribution equipment)
(Case T‑545/21) (
1
)
(Community design – Invalidity proceedings – Registered Community design representing fluid distribution equipment – Ground for invalidity – Non-compliance with requirements for protection – Article 25(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 6/2002 – Features of appearance of a product solely dictated by its technical function – Article 8(1) of Regulation No 6/2002)
1.
Community designs – Grounds for invalidity – Designs dictated by their technical function – Features of appearance of a product which are dictated solely by its technical function – Criteria for assessment – Taking into account the relevant objective circumstances
(Council Regulation No 6/2002, Arts 8(1) and 25(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 24-27, 57)
2.
Community designs – Grounds for invalidity – Designs dictated by their technical function – Representation of fluid distribution equipment
(Council Regulation No 6/2002, Arts 8(1) and 25(1)(b))
(see paragraphs 34-37, 41-43, 45-48, 67, 72, 82, 93)
3.
Community designs – Surrender and invalidity – Application for a declaration of invalidity – Examination of the application – Designs dictated by their technical function – Burden of proof
(Council Regulation No 6/2002, Arts 8(1) and 25(1)(b))
(see paragraph 49)
4.
Community designs – Grounds for invalidity – Designs dictated by their technical function – Features of appearance of a product which are dictated solely by its technical function – Criteria for assessment – Existence of alternative designs – Irrelevant
(Council Regulation No 6/2002, Arts 8(1) and 25(1)(b))
(see paragraph 83)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Dismisses the action;
2.
Orders Tinnus Enterprises LLC to bear its own costs and to pay those incurred by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).
(
1
)	OJ C 431, 25.10.2021.