Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

Judgment of the General Court (Sixth Chamber) of 24 September 2019 –  
Fränkischer Weinbauverband v EUIPO (Shape of an ellipsoidal bottle)

(Case T‑68/18)

(EU trade mark — Application for a three-dimensional EU trade mark — Shape of a bulbous ellipsoidal bottle, flattened on the front and back — 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 — Assessment of distinctive character — Criteria  (European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))  (see paras 15, 16) |

| 2. | 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 paras 17-22) |

| 3. | EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks devoid of distinctive character — Three-dimensional sign constituted by the shape of bulbous ellipsoidal bottle, flattened on the front and back  (European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))  (see paras 24, 40, 42-47, 51-54, 58) |

| 4. | 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  (European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))  (see para. 25) |

| 5. | EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Identification of the mark — Image of the trade mark in the application for registration  (European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7)  (see para. 28) |

Re:

Action brought against the decision of the Fourth Board of Appeal of EUIPO of 4 December 2017 (Case R 413/2017-4), relating to an application for registration of a three-dimensional sign constituted by the shape of bulbous ellipsoidal bottle, flattened on the front and back.

Operative part

The Court:

| 1. | Dismisses the action; |

| 2. | Orders Fränkischer Weinbauverband eV to pay the costs. |

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