Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

Judgment of the General Court (Third Chamber) of 14 May 2019 — Eurolamp v EUIPO (EUROLAMP pioneers in new technology)

(Case T‑466/18)

(EU trade mark — Application for EU figurative mark EUROLAMP pioneers in new technology — Absolute ground for refusal — No distinctive character — Mark consisting of an advertising slogan — Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001)

| 1. | EU trade mark — Appeals procedure — Action before the EU judicature — Jurisdiction of the General Court — Direction issued to the Office — Not included  (European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 72(6))  (see para. 12) |

| 2. | 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 16-19) |

| 3. | EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks devoid of distinctive character — Marks consisting of advertising slogans — Distinctive character — Application of specific criteria for assessment — Not permissible  (European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))  (see para. 20) |

| 4. | EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks devoid of distinctive character — Marks consisting of advertising slogans — Slogan conveying an objective message  (European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))  (see para. 21) |

| 5. | EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks devoid of distinctive character — Trade mark made up of several elements — Possible for the competent authority to examine each of the elements making up the trade mark — Need to take account of the overall perception of the combination by the relevant public  (European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b))  (see para. 32) |

| 6. | EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks devoid of distinctive character — Figurative mark EUROLAMP pioneers in new technology  (European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b) and (3))  (see paras 44, 56, 57, 67, 68) |

| 7. | EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks devoid of distinctive character — Exception — Distinctive character acquired through use — Criteria for assessment  (European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(b) and (3))  (see paras 50-54) |

Re

Action brought against the decision of the First Board of Appeal of EUIPO of 23 May 2018 (Case R 1359/2017-1), concerning an application for registration of the figurative sign EUROLAMP pioneers in new technology as an EU trade mark.

Operative part

The Court:

| 1. | Dismisses the action; |

| 2. | Orders Eurolamp AVEE Eisagogis kai Emporias Lamptiron to pay the costs. |

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