Invalidity · first instance · 2018-11-29
000010914
Contested design: 003143650-0001
Outcome
The invalidity application is upheld, the contested RCD is declared invalid, and the holder must pay 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 003143650-0001 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
Hexa-Cover A/S
Denmark (DK)
Vilhelmsborgvej 5, 7700 Thisted, Denmark
Represented by
Holder · RCD owner
Wintex Cover ApS
Denmark (DK)
Vilhelmsborgvej 15, 7700 Thisted, Denmark
Represented by
Prior art cited (1)
floating cover for liquids in tanks
Community design No 001365399-0002 · Official bulletin of the Office · disclosed 2013-04-04
Legal grounds invoked
Argument summary
- ›Applicant sought invalidity for lack of novelty and individual character over its earlier Community design for a floating tank cover.
- ›Holder argued shared hexagonal shape and ribs were function-driven and that profile, edge shape, thickness and fillet differences created a different overall impression.
- ›The Division found the earlier design was properly disclosed, rejected the novelty ground, and held the holder had not proved technical constraints limiting design freedom.
- ›Because the prominent hexagonal form and six-rib configuration dominated the overall impression, the contested RCD lacked individual character and was invalidated.
Deciding panel
- MemberGailė SAKALAITĖ
- MemberBirgit FILTENBORG
- MemberNatascha GALPERIN
Decision files
| Language | Type | Source link |
|---|---|---|
| enEnglish | original | Download original from EUIPO ↗ |
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