Invalidity · first instance · 2023-07-06
000119160
Contested design: 002497016-0003
Outcome
The invalidity application is rejected, and the applicant must bear the holder's costs fixed at EUR 400.
Show verbatim operative text(de)
1. Der Antrag auf Nichtigerklärung des eingetragenen Gemeinschaftsgeschmacksmusters Nr. 002497016-0003 wird zurückgewiesen. 2. Die Antragstellerin trägt die Kosten der Inhaberin, die auf 400 EUR festgesetzt werden.
CostsApplicant ordered to pay costs of €400
Parties
Applicant · invalidity challenger
Crocs, Inc.via PDF extraction
United States (US)
13601 Via Varra, Broomfield Colorado 80020, Vereinigte Staaten
Represented by
Holder · RCD owner
HSM Schuhmarketing GmbH
Germany (DE)
Werksstr. 15, 45527 Hattingen, Deutschland
Represented by
Prior art cited (1)
clogs
RCD No 001876616-0001 · EUIPO eSearch database / Community Designs Bulletin · disclosed 2011-06-21
Legal grounds invoked
Argument summary
- ›The applicant argued that the contested clog design lacked individual character over earlier RCD No 001876616-0001 and created the same overall impression.
- ›The holder replied that clog design freedom was constrained, the cited 2022 EUIPO decision supported its position, and the contested design had individual character.
- ›The Division accepted disclosure of the earlier RCD, identified the informed user as a clog consumer, and found comparatively broad design freedom for clogs despite functional constraints.
- ›It held that the sole shape, toe area, upper contour, and overall sportier sneaker-like appearance created a different overall impression, so the invalidity application was rejected.
Deciding panel
- MemberAlvaro SESMA MERINO
- MemberNatascha GALPERIN
- MemberWolfgang SCHRAMEK
Decision files
| Language | Type | Source link |
|---|---|---|
| enEnglish (en) | machine translated | Download original from EUIPO ↗ |
| deGerman | original | Download original from EUIPO ↗ |
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