Invalidity · first instance · 2018-08-08
000010516
Contested design: 000891494-0004
Outcome
The invalidity application is upheld, the contested RCD is declared invalid, and the holder must pay EUR 750 in costs.
Show verbatim operative text
The application for a declaration of invalidity is upheld. Registered Community design No 0008914940004 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
Sanhua International Europe, S.L.
Spain (ES)
José Celestino Mutis 4, 2-I., 28703 S.S. Reyes (Madrid), Spain
Represented by
Holder · RCD owner
Danfoss A/S
Denmark (DK)
Nordborgvej 81, DK-6430 Nordborg, Denmark
Represented by
Anders Stryhn-Johnsen
Prior art cited (2)
expansion valve shown on pages 15-16 of an Emerson brochure
Emerson R-410A valve · Emerson brochure · disclosed 2013-05-01
thermostatic expansion valves of the types T2 and TE2 shown in a Danfoss brochure
Danfoss T2 valve · Danfoss brochure · disclosed 2008-06-01
Legal grounds invoked
Argument summary
- ›The applicant sought invalidity under Article 25(1)(b) CDR, arguing the thermostatic expansion valve was a hidden component of complex products and lacked individual character over D1 and D2.
- ›The holder argued the valve remained visible during normal use, disputed the dating of D1, and maintained the cited prior valves created a different overall impression.
- ›The Invalidity Division held the contested valve forms part of complex refrigeration and air-conditioning products but is not visible to end users during normal use once installed.
- ›Because none of the RCD's features remained visible during normal use of the complex product, the Division declared the design entirely invalid and awarded costs against the holder.
Deciding panel
- MemberMichele M. BENEDETTI-ALOISI
- MemberBirgit FILTENBORG
- MemberGaile SAKALAITE
Decision files
| Language | Type | Source link |
|---|---|---|
| enEnglish | original | Download original from EUIPO ↗ |
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