Invalidity · first instance · 2020-06-22
000106979
Contested design: 002909135-0001
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 0029091350001 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
Chemex Foundry Solutions GmbHvia PDF extraction
Germany (DE)
Hansastraße 1, 30419 Hannover, Germany
Represented by
Holder · RCD owner
Foseco International Limited
United Kingdom (GB)
1 Midland Way, Central Park, Barlborough Links, Derbyshire S43 4XA, United Kingdom
Represented by
Prior art cited (1)
Patent application for a feeder element for use in metal casting operations using casting moulds
EP 2 792 432 A1 · European Patent Office
Legal grounds invoked
Argument summary
- ›The applicant argued that the feeder element design was solely functional, relying on the holder's patent application and related patent-file evidence.
- ›The holder denied sole technical functionality, claimed visual considerations influenced the design, and pointed to alternative designs in the field.
- ›The Division found the tubular body, curved flange, and tapering lower end each served technical functions shown by the patent material.
- ›The holder did not prove any concrete aesthetic considerations supported by evidence, so Article 8(1) CDR barred protection.
- ›The application was upheld, the contested RCD was declared invalid, and the holder was ordered to pay EUR 750 in costs.
Deciding panel
- MemberMichele M. BENEDETTI - ALOISI
- MemberGailė SAKALAITĖ
- MemberBenjamin VAN BAVEL
Decision files
| Language | Type | Source link |
|---|---|---|
| esespañol (es) | machine translated | Download original from EUIPO ↗ |
| frfrançais (fr) | machine translated | Download original from EUIPO ↗ |
| ititaliano (it) | machine translated | Download original from EUIPO ↗ |
| enEnglish | original | Download original from EUIPO ↗ |
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