Judgment of the General Court (Ninth Chamber) of 29 September 2016

Data

Court: General Court

Case date: 29 september 2016

Verdict

Judgment of the General Court (Ninth Chamber) of 29 September 2016 — Bach Flower Remedies v EUIPO — Durapharma (RESCUE)

(Case T‑337/15)

"EU trade mark - Invalidity proceedings - EU word mark RESCUE - Absolute ground for refusal - Descriptive character - No distinctive character acquired through use - Article 7(1)(c) and (3) of Regulation (EC) No 207/2009 - Article 52(2) of Regulation No 207/2009"

EU trade markDefinition and acquisition of the EU trade markAbsolute grounds for refusalMarks composed exclusively of signs or indications capable of designating the characteristics of a product or serviceConcept (Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(c)) (see paras 16, 17)

EU trade markSurrender, revocation and invalidityAbsolute grounds for invalidityRegistration contrary to Article 7(1)(c) of Regulation No 207/2009Word mark RESCUE (Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(c)) (see paras 20-42, 47)

EU trade markDecisions of the OfficePrinciple of equal treatmentPrinciple of sound administrationEUIPO’s previous decision-making practicePrinciple of legalityNeed for a strict and complete examination in each particular case (see paras 44, 45)

EU trade markDefinition and acquisition of the EU trade markAbsolute grounds for refusalTrade marks which are devoid of distinctive character, descriptive or commonplaceExceptionDistinctive character acquired through useCriteria for assessment (Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(3)) (see paras 54, 55)

Re:

ACTION brought against the decision of the First Board of Appeal of EUIPO of 26 March 2015 (Case R 2551/2013-1), relating to invalidity proceedings between Durapharma and Bach Flower Remedies.

Operative part

The Court:

Dismisses the action;

Orders Bach Flower Remedies Ltd to bear its own costs and to pay those incurred by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).