Judgment of the General Court (Eighth Chamber) of 13 March 2014

Data

Court: General Court

Case date: 13 maart 2014

Verdict

Judgment of the General Court (Eighth Chamber) of 13 March 2014 — Heinrich v OHIM — Commission (European Network Rapid Manufacturing)

(Case T‑430/12)

"Community trade mark - Invalidity proceedings - Community figurative mark European Network Rapid Manufacturing - Absolute ground for refusal - Imitation of the emblem of an international intergovernmental organisation - Article 7(1)(h) of Regulation (EC) No 207/2009 - Article 6b of the Paris Convention"

1. Community trade markDefinition and acquisition of the Community trade markAbsolute grounds for refusalTrade marks to be refused under the Paris ConventionProtection of emblems of States and international organisationsImitation from the heraldic point of viewCriteria for assessment (Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(h)) (see paras 20, 21, 36-40, 47, 60-63)

2. Community trade markSurrender, revocation and invalidityRegistration contrary to Article 7(1)(h) of Regulation No 207/2009Figurative mark European Network Rapid Manufacturing (Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(h)) (see paras 64-70)

Re:

ACTION brought against the decision of the First Board of Appeal of OHIM of 5 July 2012 (Case R 793/2011‑1) relating to invalidity proceedings between the European Commission and Heinrich Beteiligungs GmbH.

Operative part

The Court:

1. Dismisses the action;

2. Orders Heinrich Beteiligungs GmbH to bear its own costs and pay those incurred by the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (Trade Marks and Designs) (OHIM).