Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

Judgment of the General Court (Fifth Chamber) of 13 September 2018 –  
Leifheit v EUIPO (Position of four green squares on a scale)

(Case T‑184/17)

(EU trade mark — Application for EU trade mark consisting of four green squares on a scale — Absolute ground for refusal — Lack of distinctive character — Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 207/2009 (now 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 any distinctive character—Assessment of distinctive character—Sign being confused with the appearance of the designated product  (Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b))  (see paras 20-22, 27) |

| 2. | EU trade mark—Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark—Absolute grounds for refusal—Marks devoid of any distinctive character—Position mark consisting of four green squares on a scale  (Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b))  (see paras 32-38, 46-50, 58-59) |

| 3. | EU trade mark—Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark—Absolute grounds for refusal—Marks devoid of any distinctive character—Assessment of distinctive character—Criteria  (Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b))  (see paras 44, 45) |

| 4. | EU trade mark—Decisions of the Office—Legality—Examination by the EU judicature—Criteria  (Council Regulation No 207/2009)  (see para. 62) |

Re:

Action brought against the decision of the First Board of Appeal of EUIPO of 9 January 2017 (Case R 1115/2016-1) concerning an application for registration of a sign consisting of four green squares on a scale as an EU trade mark.

Operative part

The Court:

| 1. | Dismisses the action; |

| 2. | Orders Leifheit AG to pay the costs. |

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