Invalidity · first instance · 2018-06-22
000010711
Contested design: 003487552-0001
Outcome
The invalidity application is upheld; the contested RCD is declared invalid, and the holder must pay the applicant's costs fixed at EUR 750.
Show verbatim operative text
The application for a declaration of invalidity is upheld. Registered Community design No 003487552-0001 is declared invalid. The holder bears the applicant’s costs, fixed at EUR 750.
CostsHolder ordered to pay costs of €750
Parties
Applicant · invalidity challenger
Crocs, Inc.
United States (US)
7477 East Dry Creek Parkway, Niwot, Colorado 80503, United States of America
Represented by
Holder · RCD owner
MCK TRADE EU LTD
United Kingdom (GB)
Bexley Square 6, Salford, Manchester M3 6BZ, United Kingdom
Represented by
Jana Vandělíková
Prior art cited (2)
footwear
RCD No 001626300-0001 · Community Designs Bulletin · disclosed 2009-10-23
footwear
RCD No 002302000-0001 · Community Designs Bulletin · disclosed 2013-09-11
Legal grounds invoked
Argument summary
- ›The applicant sought invalidity for lack of individual character, arguing the contested clog design created the same overall impression as two earlier RCDs.
- ›The holder filed no observations in reply to the invalidity application.
- ›The Division found the earlier RCDs had been validly disclosed and that the designer had sufficient freedom in clogs, making only meaningful visual differences capable of changing overall impression.
- ›Comparing the contested design with the second prior design, the Division held the similarities dominated the minor differences, so the contested RCD lacked individual character and was invalidated.
Deciding panel
- MemberLudmila ČELIŠOVÁ
- MemberBenjamin VAN BAVEL
- MemberBirgit FILTENBORG
Decision files
| Language | Type | Source link |
|---|---|---|
| enEnglish | original | Download original from EUIPO ↗ |
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