Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

Judgment of the General Court (Eighth Chamber) of 24 November 2016 —  
Azur Space Solar Power v EUIPO (Representation of white lines and bricks on a black background)

(Case T‑578/15)

(EU trade mark — International registration designating the European Union — Figurative mark representing white lines and bricks on a black background — Absolute ground for refusal — No distinctive character — Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 207/2009)

| 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—Criteria  (Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b))  (see paras 11, 12) |

| 2. | EU trade mark—Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark—Absolute grounds for refusal—Marks devoid of any distinctive character—Figurative mark consisting of the two-dimensional representation of a product—Distinctive character—Criteria for assessment  (Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b))  (see paras 13-18) |

| 3. | EU trade mark—Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark—Absolute grounds for refusal—Marks devoid of any distinctive character—Figurative mark representing white lines and bricks on a black background  (Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b))  (see paras 20, 30, 41, 42) |

| 4. | EU trade mark—Procedural provisions—Examination of the facts of the Office’s own motion—Registration of a new trade mark—Absolute grounds for refusal—Burden of proof  (Council Regulation No 207/2009, Arts 7(1), and 76(1))  (see paras 34, 35) |

Re:

ACTION brought against the decision of the Fourth Board of Appeal of EUIPO of 27 July 2015 (Case R 2780/2014-4), concerning the international registration designating the European Union of a figurative mark representing white lines and bricks on a black background.

Operative part

The Court:

| 1. | Dismisses the action; |

| 2. | Orders Azur Space Solar Power GmbH to pay the costs. |

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