Invalidity · first instance · 2023-09-18
000120878
Contested design: 008132419-0001
Outcome
The invalidity application is upheld, the contested RCD is declared invalid, and the holder must pay EUR 750 in costs.
Show verbatim operative text
1. The application for a declaration of invalidity is upheld. 2. Registered Community design 008132419-0001 is declared invalid. 3. The holder bears the costs, fixed at EUR 750.
CostsHolder ordered to pay costs of €750
Parties
Applicant · invalidity challenger
Hi-Tech Automotive (Pty) Ltdvia PDF extraction
ZA
106 Park Drive St Georges, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape 60001, South Africa
Represented by
Holder · RCD owner
AC Cars Ltd
CY
Maria House, Avlonos Street, 1075 Nicosia, Cyprus
Prior art cited (1)
Vehicle bodywork / Cobra MkIV car design
RCD No 000863097-0001 · Community Designs Bulletin · disclosed 2008-03-28
Legal grounds invoked
Argument summary
- ›The applicant argued that the contested car design lacked novelty and individual character in light of the earlier Cobra MkIV design disclosed before the grace period.
- ›The holder was invited to respond to the invalidity application but filed no observations.
- ›The Invalidity Division found the earlier RCD was validly disclosed through its 28/03/2008 publication and treated designer freedom for cars as at least average.
- ›The contested design was almost identical to the prior design, and the minor differences in roll bars, fuel cap, rear fender cover and trim did not change the overall impression.
Deciding panel
- MemberRebecca SANTANA DAVIES
- MemberBenjamin VAN BAVEL
- MemberElisabetta FERRARO
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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