Invalidity · first instance · 2018-09-04
000010752
Contested design: 003852672-0002
Outcome
The invalidity application is upheld, the contested RCD is declared invalid, and the holder must bear 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 0038526720002 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
David Kipping
Germany (DE)
Agrippinawerft 24, 50678 Cologne, Germany
Represented by
Holder · RCD owner
Chrome Cherry Design Studio (PTY) Ltdvia PDF extraction
ZA
Unit 304, Salt Circle Arcade, 19 Kent Street, Salt River, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa
Prior art cited (2)
classic Lego plate
silicone straps and connectors creative building kit; Lego-compatible silicone straps
ASIN B01CIRLU0Q · amazon.co.uk; facebook.com/strictlybricks · disclosed 2016-04-21
Legal grounds invoked
Argument summary
- ›The applicant argued that the flexible studded tape design was technically dictated and, in any event, lacked novelty or individual character over the classic Lego plate and earlier Strictly Briks straps.
- ›The holder disputed disclosure of the earlier designs, denied that the features were purely functional, and maintained that visible differences in length, underside, lines, studs, and colours changed the overall impression.
- ›The Division accepted D2 as a valid internet disclosure before the filing date, found it did not destroy novelty, but held that its overall impression remained too close to the contested design.
- ›The application was upheld because the contested RCD lacked individual character under Article 6 CDR, and the holder was ordered to pay EUR 750 in costs.
Deciding panel
- MemberMichele M. BENEDETTI-ALOISI
- MemberBirgit FILTENBORG
- MemberPierluigi M. VILLANI
Decision files
| Language | Type | Source link |
|---|---|---|
| enEnglish | original | Download original from EUIPO ↗ |
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