Judgment of the General Court (Eighth Chamber) of 24 November 2016

EU trade markDefinition and acquisition of the EU trade markAbsolute grounds for refusalMarks devoid of any distinctive characterAssessment of distinctive characterCriteria

(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b))

(see paras 11, 12)

EU trade markDefinition and acquisition of the EU trade markAbsolute grounds for refusalMarks devoid of any distinctive characterFigurative mark consisting of the two-dimensional representation of a productDistinctive characterCriteria for assessment

(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b))

(see paras 13-18)

EU trade markDefinition and acquisition of the EU trade markAbsolute grounds for refusalMarks devoid of any distinctive characterFigurative mark representing black lines and bricks

(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b))

(see paras 21, 32, 46, 47)

EU trade markProcedural provisionsExamination of the facts of the Office’s own motionRegistration of a new trade markAbsolute grounds for refusalBurden of proof

(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Arts 7(1), and 76(1))

(see paras 37, 38)

Re:

ACTION brought against the decision of the Fourth Board of Appeal of EUIPO of 2 September 2015 (Case R 3233/2014-4), concerning the international registration designating the European Union of a figurative mark representing black lines and bricks.

Operative part

The Court:

1. Dismisses the action;

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