Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

Order of the General Court (Sixth Chamber) of 22 October 2020 –  
Grammer v EUIPO (Representation of a geometric figure)

(Case T‑833/19)

(Action for annulment – EU trade mark – Application for an EU figurative mark representing a geometric figure – Absolute ground for refusal – Lack of distinctive character – Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 – Action manifestly lacking any foundation in law)

| 1. | Judicial proceedings – Decision taken by way of reasoned order – Possibility of ruling without an oral procedure – Action manifestly lacking any foundation in law  (Rules of Procedure of the General Court, Art. 126)  (see para. 15) |

| 2. | 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 para. 18) |

| 3. | 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 paras 19, 56, 69) |

| 4. | EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Figurative mark representing a geometric figure  (European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))  (see paras 25, 26, 29, 38-43, 50) |

| 5. | 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 – Perception of the trade mark by the relevant public – Attention level of the public  (European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))  (see paras 27, 28) |

| 6. | EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Concept – Criteria for assessment – Recognition of the distinctiveness of the sign not subject to a finding of a certain level of creativity or linguistic or artistic imagination  (European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))  (see paras 34-36) |

| 7. | EU trade mark – Decisions of the Office – 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  (European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001)  (see paras 63, 64, 66) |

Re:

Action brought against the decision of the Second Board of Appeal of EUIPO of 19 September 2019 (Case R 1478/2019-2), relating to the application for registration of a figurative sign representing a geometric figure as a European Union trade mark.

Operative part

The Court:

| 1. | Dismisses the action as manifestly lacking any foundation in law; |

| 2. | Orders Grammer AG pay the costs. |

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