Invalidity · first instance · 2018-09-11
000010757
Contested design: 003852672-0018
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 0038526720018 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
Strictly Briks Lego-compatible flexible strap / silicone straps and connectors creative building kit
ASIN B01CIRLU0Q · amazon.co.uk and facebook.com/strictlybricks · disclosed 2016-04-21
Legal grounds invoked
Argument summary
- ›The applicant sought invalidity for technical function and, alternatively, lack of novelty or individual character over the classic Lego plate and the earlier Strictly Briks flexible strap design disclosed online in 2016.
- ›The holder argued the earlier strap design was not properly disclosed, the contested features were not purely functional, and visible differences in surface lines, stud size, colours and length preserved novelty and individual character.
- ›The Division accepted Enclosure A4 and the corroborating Facebook screenshot as solid Article 7 disclosure of prior design D2 before filing, but found D2 not identical to the RCD because several visible differences were more than immaterial.
- ›The Division held those differences did not alter the overall impression on the informed user, so the contested design lacked individual character under Articles 25(1)(b) and 6 and was declared invalid.
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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