62023TJ0208_INF
Judgment of the General Court (Third Chamber) of 24 April 2024 –FCI v EUIPO – Sitges Alonso (Posts)
(Case T‑208/23) (
1
)
(Community design – Invalidity proceedings – Registered Community design representing posts – Ground for invalidity – Disclosure of the earlier design – Article 7 and Article 25(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 6/2002 – Burden of proof – Article 52(2) of Regulation No 6/2002)
1.
Community designs – Grounds for invalidity – Lack of novelty – Previous disclosure of identical design – Proof of the disclosure
(Council Regulation No 6/2002, Arts 7(1) and 25(1)(b); Commission Regulation No 2245/2002)
(see paragraphs 18-21, 38, 48, 57)
2.
Community designs – Surrender and invalidity – Application for a declaration of invalidity based on the existence of an earlier design – Burden of proof
(Council Regulation No 6/2002, Arts 7, 25(1)(b) and 52(2); Commission Regulation No 2245/2002)
(see paragraphs 78-80)
Operative part
The Court:
1.
Authorises Forlam Clôture Industrie (FCI) to substitute itself for Clofor as applicant;
2.
Dismisses the action;
3.
Orders Forlam Clôture Industrie (FCI) to pay the costs.
(
1
)	OJ C 216, 19.6.2023.