Invalidity · first instance · 2020-03-04
000105119
Contested design: 003373083-0001
Outcome
The invalidity application is rejected, and the applicant must bear the holder's costs fixed at EUR 400.
Show verbatim operative text
1. The application for a declaration of invalidity of registered Community design No 003373083-0001 is rejected. 2. The applicant bears the holder’s costs, fixed at EUR 400.
CostsApplicant ordered to pay costs of €400
Parties
Applicant · invalidity challenger
Aldi Stores Limited
United Kingdom (GB)
Holly Lane, Atherstone, Warwickshire CV9 2SQ, United Kingdom
Represented by
Holder · RCD owner
Hydratem8 Limited
United Kingdom (GB)
Unit 6, Five Oaks Business Park, Geddinge Lane, Wootton, Near Canterbury CT4 6RY, United Kingdom
Represented by
Prior art cited (4)
article showing a water bottle and decal
https://gigglesgalore.net · gigglesgalore.net · disclosed 2015-05-26
bottle design shown in a US trademark record
US registered trademark No 5009743 · United States trademark record
Motivational Bottle offered on Amazon
ASIN B00ZS8CKG6 · Amazon.com · disclosed 2015-06-16
water bottle graphic offered on Etsy
https://www.etsy.com · Etsy · disclosed 2016-05-27
Legal grounds invoked
Argument summary
- ›Applicant sought invalidity for lack of individual character, relying on four earlier bottle graphics allegedly disclosed before the RCD filing date.
- ›Holder argued the contested design created a different overall impression, some features were technically constrained, and design protection covers visual appearance rather than concept.
- ›The Division accepted disclosure of D1, D3 and D4, rejected D2 as insufficiently proven, and found designer freedom limited only for fluid-level indication features.
- ›Differences in font, layout and level-indicating devices gave a different overall impression, so the application was rejected and the applicant was ordered to pay EUR 400.
Deciding panel
- MemberNatascha GALPERIN
- MemberBenjamin VAN BAVEL
- MemberMichelle Marie DELLACHERIE
Decision files
| Language | Type | Source link |
|---|---|---|
| enEnglish | original | Download original from EUIPO ↗ |
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