Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

Judgment of the General Court (Ninth Chamber) of 13 May 2020 –  
Koenig & Bauer v EUIPO (we’re on it)

(Case T‑156/19)

(EU trade mark — Application for EU word mark we’re on it — Absolute grounds for refusal — No distinctive character — Trade mark consisting of an advertising slogan — Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 — Obligation to state reasons — Article 94 of Regulation 2017/1001)

| 1. | EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks devoid of distinctive character — Definition  (European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))  (see paras 24, 25) |

| 2. | 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 — Criteria for assessment  (European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))  (see paras 27-30) |

| 3. | EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks devoid of distinctive character — Word mark we’re on it  (European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))  (see paras 37-43, 45) |

| 4. | EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Separate examination of the grounds for refusal in relation to each of the goods or services covered by the application for registration — Obligation to state the reasons for refusing to register — Scope  (European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Arts 7(1) and 94(1), first sentence)  (see paras 52-54, 60-63, 68) |

| 5. | EU trade mark — Procedural provisions — Examination of the facts of the EUIPO’s own motion — Registration of a new trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Burden of proof  (European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Arts 7(1) and 95(1))  (see para. 77) |

Re:

Action brought against the decision of the First Board of Appeal of EUIPO of 16 January 2019 (Case R 1027/2018-1), relating to an application for registration of the word sign we’re on it as an EU trade mark.

Operative part

The Court:

| 1. | Dismisses the action; |

| 2. | Orders Koenig & Bauer AG to pay the costs. |

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