Invalidity · first instance · 2023-01-23
000119368
Contested design: 005945847-0001
Outcome
The invalidity application is upheld, the contested RCD is declared invalid, and the holder must bear costs fixed at EUR 750.
Show verbatim operative text
1. The application for a declaration of invalidity is upheld. 2. Registered Community design No 005945847-0001 is declared invalid. 3. The holder bears the costs, fixed at EUR 750.
CostsHolder ordered to pay costs of €750
Parties
Applicant · invalidity challenger
Societe Bicvia PDF extraction
France (FR)
12-22, Boulevard Victor Hugo, 92110 Clichy, France
Represented by
Holder · RCD owner
Benxi Fenghe Lighter Co., Ltd
China (CN)
Huanxiling, Wolong Town, Mingshan Dist., Benxi, Liaoning, China
Represented by
Marcella Clarke
Prior art cited (1)
BIC J26 Maxi Lighter
BIC promotional brochure and catalogue
Legal grounds invoked
Argument summary
- ›The applicant sought invalidity for lack of novelty and individual character, relying on its earlier BIC J26 Maxi Lighter disclosed through brochure and catalogue evidence before 30/12/2018.
- ›The holder filed no observations in response to the invalidity application.
- ›The Division accepted disclosure of the earlier lighter before the filing date and found the designer's freedom not severely limited for lighter shape, colour, material, and visible features.
- ›It held that the contested design created the same overall impression as the earlier BIC lighter, so it lacked individual character under Article 6(1)(b).
- ›The application was upheld, the contested design was declared invalid, and the holder was ordered to pay EUR 750 in costs.
Deciding panel
- MemberElisabetta FERRARO
- MemberEnrico D'ERRICO
- MemberRebecca SANTANA DAVIES
Decision files
| Language | Type | Source link |
|---|---|---|
| deDeutsch (de) | machine translated | Download original from EUIPO ↗ |
| 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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