Invalidity · first instance · 2018-04-16
000010476
Contested design: 002555425-0002
Outcome
The invalidity application is upheld, the contested RCD is declared invalid, and the holder must pay the applicant’s costs fixed at EUR 1500.
Show verbatim operative text
The application for a declaration of invalidity is upheld. Registered Community design No 002555425-0002 is declared invalid. The holder bears the applicant’s costs, fixed at EUR 1500.
CostsHolder ordered to pay costs of €1,500
Parties
Applicant · invalidity challenger
ORBEN Wasseraufbereitung GmbH & Co. KG
Germany (DE)
Industriepark Kalle Albert, Gebäude C 583, Kasteler Str. 45, 65203 Wiesbaden, Germany
Represented by
Holder · RCD owner
Unger Marketing International, LLC
United States (US)
425 Asylum Street, Bridgeport, CT 06610, United States of America
Prior art cited (2)
water purifier bag used in a water conditioning system
DE 20 2015 0007 200 U1 · Germany · disclosed 2016-02-18
nLite HydroPower DI brochure showing the quick-change resin bag
VK510-HydroPowerDI-Brochure2015-DE.pdf · www.ungerglobal.com
Legal grounds invoked
Argument summary
- ›Applicant argued the views were inconsistent under Article 3(a) CDR and that all essential features of the resin bag were solely dictated by technical function, relying on utility-model and brochure evidence.
- ›Holder responded that the depictions were coherent, alternative bag designs existed, and the product retained individual character.
- ›The Division rejected the Article 25(1)(a) challenge but held that the filled bag form, circular and elliptical shape, laced closure, and pleats were all chosen solely to achieve efficient filtration and easy replacement.
- ›Because all essential features were technically dictated within Article 8(1) CDR, the contested RCD was declared invalid and costs were awarded against the holder.
Deciding panel
- MemberLudmila ČELIŠOVÁ
- MemberGailė SAKALAITĖ
- MemberMichele M. BENEDETTI-ALOISI
Decision files
| Language | Type | Source link |
|---|---|---|
| enEnglish | original | Download original from EUIPO ↗ |
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