Invalidity · first instance · 2023-08-03
000119178
Contested design: 002735274-0014
Outcome
The invalidity application is upheld, the contested RCD is declared invalid, and the holder is ordered to pay EUR 750 in costs.
Show verbatim operative text(de)
1. Dem Antrag auf Nichtigerklärung wird stattgegeben. 2. Das eingetragene Gemeinschaftsgeschmacksmuster Nr. 002735274-0014 wird für nichtig erklärt. 3. Die Inhaberin trägt die Kosten, die auf 750 EUR festgesetzt werden.
CostsHolder ordered to pay costs of €750
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
Marc Barth
Prior art cited (1)
clog footwear
RCD No 001754854-0001 · EUIPO eSearch database · disclosed 2010-09-24
Legal grounds invoked
Argument summary
- ›The applicant sought invalidity for lack of individual character over earlier RCD No 001754854-0001, relying on EUIPO eSearch extracts showing its prior publication.
- ›The holder argued the contested clog created a different overall impression, invoked decision ICD 115 929, and said design freedom for clogs was limited.
- ›The Division found the earlier RCD had been disclosed, the informed user was a clog user, design freedom remained relatively high, and alleged market saturation was unproven.
- ›Because the shared overall appearance outweighed the identified differences, the contested design lacked individual character and was declared invalid, with costs against the holder.
Deciding panel
- MemberAlvaro SESMA MERINO
- MemberNatascha GALPERIN
- MemberBenjamin VAN BAVEL
Decision files
| Language | Type | Source link |
|---|---|---|
| enEnglish (en) | machine translated | Download original from EUIPO ↗ |
| deGerman | original | Download original from EUIPO ↗ |
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