Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

Judgment of the General Court (Ninth Chamber) of 22 November 2018 –  
Addiko Bank v EUIPO (STRAIGHTFORWARD BANKING)

(Case T‑9/18)

(EU trade mark — Application for the EU work mark STRAIGHTFORWARD BANKING — Absolute ground for refusal — Descriptive character — Article 7(1)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001)

| 1. | EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks composed exclusively of signs or indications capable of designating the characteristics of a product or service — Aim — Need to preserve availability  (European Parliament and Council Regulation No 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))  (see para. 14) |

| 2. | EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks composed exclusively of signs or indications capable of designating the characteristics of a product or service — Meaning  (European Parliament and Council Regulation No 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))  (see paras 15-17) |

| 3. | EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks composed exclusively of signs or indications capable of designating the characteristics of a product or service — Criteria  (European Parliament and Council Regulation No 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))  (see para. 18) |

| 4. | EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks composed exclusively of signs or indications capable of designating the characteristics of a product or service — Word mark STRAIGHTFORWARD BANKING  (European Parliament and Council Regulation No 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))  (see paras 20-22, 24-28) |

| 5. | 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 No 2017/1001)  (see para. 31) |

Re:

Action brought against the decision of the Second Board of Appeal of EUIPO of 25 October 2017 (Case R 1090/2017-2), relating to an application for registration of the word sign STRAIGHTFORWARD BANKING as an EU trade mark.

Operative part

The Court:

| 1. | Dismisses the action; |

| 2. | Orders Addiko Bank AG to pay the costs. |

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