Invalidity · first instance · 2019-03-27
000103319
Contested design: 002277459-0001
Outcome
The invalidity application is upheld, the contested RCD is declared invalid, and the holder must pay the applicant's fixed costs of EUR 750.
Show verbatim operative text
The application for a declaration of invalidity is upheld. Registered Community design No 0022774590001 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
Glaxo Group Limitedvia PDF extraction
United Kingdom (GB)
980 Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9GS, United Kingdom
Represented by
Holder · RCD owner
Polfarmex S.A.via PDF extraction
Poland (PL)
Józefów 9, 99300 Kutno, Poland
Prior art cited (2)
Diskus inhaler
Community design No 0018422460001 · Austrian warning label and instructions for use
Earlier trade mark said to be very similar to the contested RCD
Legal grounds invoked
Argument summary
- ›The applicant claimed the contested inhaler lacked individual character over several earlier designs, especially its long-marketed Diskus inhaler, and also invoked conflict with an earlier trade mark.
- ›To prove disclosure, the applicant relied on evidence including an Austrian Viani mite warning label dated November 2006 showing the Diskus design and its packaging.
- ›The holder filed no reply, so the Division assessed disclosure and individual character on the applicant's evidence alone.
- ›The Division found the 2006 warning label sufficiently proved prior disclosure and that the contested design reproduced the distinctive overall appearance of the earlier inhaler despite minor differences.
- ›The application was upheld because the contested RCD lacked individual character under Article 6(1)(b) CDR, making it unnecessary to examine the remaining prior designs or trade mark ground.
Deciding panel
- MemberBenjamin VAN BAVEL
- MemberGaile SAKALAITE
- MemberLudmila ČELIŠOVÁ
Decision files
| Language | Type | Source link |
|---|---|---|
| enEnglish | original | Download original from EUIPO ↗ |
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