Invalidity · first instance · 2018-08-01
000011003
Contested design: 004355618-0001
Outcome
The invalidity application is upheld, the contested RCD is declared invalid, and the holder must pay the applicant's fixed costs of EUR 750.
Show verbatim operative text
The application for a declaration of invalidity is upheld. Registered Community design No 004355618-0001 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
Dobré boty s.r.o.
Czechia (CZ)
Nademlejnská 600/1, 198 00 Praha 9 - Hloubětín, Czech Republic
Represented by
Prior art cited (1)
three-dimensional trade mark for footwear in the shape of clogs
Swedish trade mark No 400514 · Swedish Patent and Registration Office · disclosed 2009-01-16
Legal grounds invoked
Argument summary
- ›The applicant sought invalidity under Article 25(1)(e) CDR based on its earlier Swedish three-dimensional trade mark for footwear, arguing the contested clog design created confusion and association.
- ›The holder disputed similarity and distinctiveness, argued clog features were constrained or technical, denied any similar overall impression, and requested rejection of the invalidity application.
- ›The Division found the goods identical and the signs visually and conceptually similar, with the contested design reproducing the earlier mark's eye-catching clog shape features despite some differences.
- ›It concluded that Swedish trade mark law allowed the applicant to prohibit use of the sign in the later design, so the RCD was declared invalid and costs were awarded against the holder.
Deciding panel
- MemberLudmila ČELIŠOVÁ
- MemberRebecca SANTANA DAVIES
- MemberIngeborg MENDIETA VETTER
Decision files
| Language | Type | Source link |
|---|---|---|
| enEnglish | original | Download original from EUIPO ↗ |
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