Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

Judgment of the General Court (Second Chamber) of 21 September 2022 –  
Voco v EUIPO (Shape of packaging)

(Case T‑700/21) (
[1](#t-ECR_62021TJ0700_INF_EN_01-E0001)
)

(EU trade mark – Application for a three-dimensional EU trade mark – Shape of packaging – Absolute ground for refusal – Lack of distinctive character – Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001)

| 1. | EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Three-dimensional trade marks consisting of the shape of the product itself – Distinctive character – Criteria for assessment  (European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))  (see paragraphs 16-19, 27, 28, 57) |

| 2. | EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Three-dimensional trade mark consisting of the shape of packaging  (European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))  (see paragraphs 25, 31, 32, 45, 48, 52, 55, 59) |

| 3. | EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Lack of distinctiveness – Trade mark made up of several elements – Possible for the competent authority to examine each of the elements making up the trade mark – Need to take account of the overall perception of the combination by the relevant public  (European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))  (see paragraphs 38, 40) |

| 4. | 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 strict and complete examination in each particular case  (see paragraph 60) |

Operative part

The Court:

| 1. | Dismisses the action; |

| 2. | Orders Voco GmbH to pay the costs. |

---

(
[1](#c-ECR_62021TJ0700_INF_EN_01-E0001)
) [OJ C 2, 3.1.2022](./../../../legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=OJ:C:2022:002:TOC).

[Top](#document1)