Invalidity · first instance · 2021-11-22
000114863
Contested design: 008186084-0001
Outcome
The invalidity application is upheld, the contested RCD is declared invalid, and the holder must bear the applicant's costs fixed at EUR 750.
Show verbatim operative text
1. The application for a declaration of invalidity is upheld. 2. Registered Community design No 008186084-0001 is declared invalid. 3. The holder bears the applicant’s costs, fixed at EUR 750.
CostsHolder ordered to pay costs of €750
Parties
Applicant · invalidity challenger
Shenzhen LaiTeNingNai Technology Co., Ltdvia PDF extraction
China (CN)
710, 710, Bldg. D, Bantian International Center, No. 5, Huancheng South Road, Bantian St., Longgang Dist., People’s Republic of China
Represented by
Maria Ioannides
Holder · RCD owner
Shenzhen Zuokou Trading Co., Ltd.via PDF extraction
China (CN)
2F, Bldg. A, Shatou Songshan Industrial Park, No.36 Shazhong Rd., Shajing St., BaoAn Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
Represented by
Ákos Süle
Prior art cited (1)
Amazon offer for a watch case identified as 'Weenarn Compatibile Apple Watch [...]'
ASIN B081DL645N · Amazon.it · disclosed 2019-11-12
Legal grounds invoked
Argument summary
- ›Applicant sought invalidity for lack of novelty and individual character, relying in particular on an Amazon.it listing showing a similar watch case available from 12 November 2019.
- ›Holder argued the Amazon evidence was not translated, designer freedom was limited by smartwatch-fit constraints, and the cited design differed in screen shading and bulkiness.
- ›The Division accepted the Amazon listing as sufficient disclosure before the filing date and found the missing translation did not prejudice the holder's ability to respond.
- ›It held designer freedom was not substantially limited and the differences were minor, so the contested design created the same overall impression as the prior design.
- ›The application was upheld, the RCD was invalidated in full, and costs were awarded against the holder.
Deciding panel
- MemberElisabetta FERRARO
- MemberMichele M. BENEDETTI-ALOISI
- MemberRebecca SANTANA DAVIES
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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