Invalidity · first instance · 2025-10-12
000125916
Contested design: 002691410-0001
Outcome
The previous Invalidity Division decision is set aside and replaced; the invalidity application is upheld, the contested EU design is declared invalid, and the holder must pay costs fixed at EUR 750.
Show verbatim operative text(de)
1. Die Entscheidung der Nichtigkeitsabteilung vom 29/08/2024 im vorliegenden Verfahren wird aufgehoben und durch die vorliegende Entscheidung ersetzt. 2. Dem Antrag auf Nichtigerklärung wird stattgegeben. 3. Das eingetragene EU-Geschmacksmuster Nr. 002691410-0001 wird für nichtig erklärt. 4. Die Inhaberin trägt die Kosten, die auf 750 EUR festgesetzt werden.
CostsHolder ordered to pay costs of €750
Parties
Applicant · invalidity challenger
GMP Group Srlvia PDF extraction
Italy (IT)
Albano Sant'Alessandro, Italien
Represented by
Giulio Bonadio
Holder · RCD owner
Mercedes-Benz Group AG
Germany (DE)
Stuttgart, Deutschland
Represented by
Prior art cited (3)
earlier EU design relied on by the applicant
RCD No 002351247-0003 · Community Designs Bulletin · disclosed 2015-02-16
earlier EU design relied on by the applicant
RCD No 002351247-0004 · Community Designs Bulletin · disclosed 2015-02-16
wheel rim design shown in the Mercedes Benz accessories catalog
Mercedes Benz catalog 'Original Zubehör für die C-Klasse', Stand März 2014, page 45 · Mercedes Benz catalog · disclosed 2014-03-31
Legal grounds invoked
Argument summary
- ›Applicant sought invalidity for lack of novelty and individual character, relying on two earlier Mercedes-Benz RCDs and D1, a Mercedes-Benz accessories catalog dated March 2014.
- ›Holder argued the two earlier RCDs were published only on 16 February 2015, the catalog publication date was unproven, the overall impression differed, and the action was barred by res judicata.
- ›The Division rejected res judicata, excluded the two earlier RCDs from consideration, and held D1 had been disclosed by 31 March 2014 so it formed valid prior art outside the grace period.
- ›Given broad design freedom for wheel rims, the shared five paired V-shaped spokes and overall rim structure created the same overall impression, so the contested design lacked individual character and was invalidated.
Deciding panel
- MemberNatascha GALPERIN
- MemberWolfgang SCHRAMEK
- MemberAlvaro SESMA MERINO
Decision files
| Language | Type | Source link |
|---|---|---|
| deGerman | original | Download original from EUIPO ↗ |
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