Invalidity · first instance · 2022-10-13
000115910
Contested design: 000222070-0003
Outcome
The application for a declaration of invalidity is upheld and Registered Community design No 000222070-0003 is declared invalid.
Show verbatim operative text(de)
Dem Antrag auf Nichtigerklärung wird stattgegeben. Das eingetragene Gemeinschaftsgeschmacksmuster Nr. 000222070-0003 wird für nichtig erklärt.
CostsHolder ordered to pay costs
Parties
Applicant · invalidity challenger
Alcom International GmbH
Germany (DE)
Ernst-Abbe-Str. 3, 72770 Reutlingen, Deutschland
Represented by
Holder · RCD owner
Wolfgang Rixen
Germany (DE)
Friedenstr. 107-109, 42699 Solingen, Deutschland
Represented by
Prior art cited (3)
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Paletti catalog · disclosed 2001-04-01
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Paletti catalog · disclosed 2002-04-01
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Paletti catalog · disclosed 2004-04-01
Legal grounds invoked
Argument summary
- ›The applicant attacked the design for lack of novelty and individual character over Paletti catalog designs D1 to D3 and also invoked visibility, technical-function, and must-fit objections.
- ›The holder argued the design was new and individual, reflected aesthetic choices despite technical aspects, remained visible in use, and in any event qualified for the modular-system exception.
- ›The Division found Article 4(2) inapplicable, held exclusive technical function was not proven, and considered the product part of a modular system so Article 8(3) displaced any Article 8(2) objection.
- ›Comparing D1 with the contested design, the Division found only minor differences and the same overall impression, so individual character was lacking and the design was invalidated with costs against the holder.
Deciding panel
- MemberNatascha GALPERIN
- MemberAlvaro SESMA MERINO
- MemberIvanka IVANOVA
Decision files
| Language | Type | Source link |
|---|---|---|
| enEnglish (en) | machine translated | Download original from EUIPO ↗ |
| deGerman | original | Download original from EUIPO ↗ |
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