Invalidity · first instance · 2023-11-23
000121874
Contested design: 015003786-0001
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 0150037860001 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 Bic, société anonymevia 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
Prior art cited (4)
Promotional brochure showing the BIC J25 Mini Lighter in green.
Promotional brochure · disclosed 2011-12-01
2013 catalogue showing the same lighter in green and red.
Applicant catalogue · disclosed 2013-12-31
Snapshots showing the same lighter in red.
YouTube video "Tutorial: Magic trick with a lighter - Make the logo disappear - Magic explained" · YouTube · disclosed 2012-02-17
Affidavit and 2023 purchase of a green lighter used for comparison.
Affidavit of Mathieu Vandermolen · disclosed 2023-03-21
Legal grounds invoked
Argument summary
- ›Applicant argued the contested lighter lacked novelty and individual character over its long-marketed BIC lighter disclosed through brochures, a catalogue, and online material.
- ›Holder filed no observations and left the invalidity application undefended.
- ›The Division accepted disclosure of the red BIC lighter before 22/11/2022, but rejected the 2023 purchase evidence as proof of prior disclosure.
- ›Given the strong similarity in shape, proportions, and visible components, colour and branding differences did not change the overall impression, so individual character was absent.
- ›The application was upheld, the contested design was declared invalid, and costs were awarded against the holder.
Deciding panel
- MemberLudmila ČELIŠOVÁ
- MemberIneta GALUBICKE
- MemberRasa BARAKAUSKIENĖ
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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