Invalidity · first instance · 2018-11-12
000010540
Contested design: 002256354-0007
Outcome
The application for a declaration of invalidity is upheld, the contested Registered Community design No 002256354-0007 is declared invalid, and the holder must pay the applicant's costs fixed at EUR 750.
Show verbatim operative text(de)
Dem Antrag auf Nichtigerklärung wird stattgegeben. Das eingetragene Gemeinschaftsgeschmacksmuster Nr. 002256354-0007 wird für nichtig erklärt. Die Inhaberin trägt die Kosten der Antragstellerin, die auf 750 EUR festgesetzt werden.
CostsHolder ordered to pay costs of €750
Parties
Applicant · invalidity challenger
Ningbo Degson Electronics Co., Ltd.via PDF extraction
China (CN)
No. 1585 Xiaolin Road, Cixi, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315321, Volksrepublik China
Represented by
Holder · RCD owner
WAGO Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH
Germany (DE)
Hansastr. 27, 32423 Minden, Deutschland
Represented by
Prior art cited (2)
Leiterplattenklemme
001733239-0003 · eSearch database of the Office; Community Designs Bulletin · disclosed 2010-07-22
Betätigungseinrichtung für eine elektrische Anschlussklemme
EP 2 375 503 B1 · European Patent Office · disclosed 2011-10-12
Legal grounds invoked
Argument summary
- ›The applicant argued that the contested PCB terminal block design lacked individual character over earlier RCD No 001733239-0003 and also raised visibility and technical-function objections under Articles 4(2) and 8(1).
- ›The holder contended the product remained visible in use, its housing allowed many design choices, and the cited earlier design created a different overall impression, especially through its push-buttons and shape details.
- ›The Division accepted disclosure of the earlier RCD and treated both designs as PCB terminal blocks for the same market, with only limited functional constraints on designer freedom.
- ›It found the differences, including push-buttons versus operating openings, mainly reflected alternative technical solutions and did not alter the very similar overall impression on the informed user.
- ›The contested design therefore lacked individual character under Article 6(1)(b); the invalidity application was upheld, making examination of the other pleaded grounds unnecessary.
Deciding panel
- MemberGailė SAKALAITĖ
- MemberNatascha GALPERIN
- MemberLudmila ČELIŠOVÁ
Decision files
| Language | Type | Source link |
|---|---|---|
| deGerman | original | Download original from EUIPO ↗ |
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