Invalidity · first instance · 2025-10-21
000127336
Contested design: 002819391-0004
Outcome
The invalidity application is upheld, EU design No 002819391-0004 is declared invalid, and the holder must bear costs fixed at EUR 750.
Show verbatim operative text(de)
1. Dem Antrag auf Nichtigerklärung wird stattgegeben. 2. Das eingetragene EU-Geschmacksmuster Nr. 002819391-0004 wird für nichtig erklärt. 3. Der Inhaber trägt die Kosten, die auf 750 EUR festgesetzt werden.
CostsHolder ordered to pay costs of €750
Parties
Applicant · invalidity challenger
WIPO-Elektrotechnik GmbHvia PDF extraction
Germany (DE)
Schwanstetten, Deutschland
Holder · RCD owner
Engelbert Theben
Germany (DE)
Borken, Deutschland
Represented by
Kathrin Schulze Horn
Prior art cited (1)
"POWER ECK" socket column / socket strip
Lightbook 2014/2015 · Lightbook 2014/2015 catalog · disclosed 2014-02-01
Legal grounds invoked
Argument summary
- ›The applicant sought invalidity for lack of novelty and individual character based on the earlier "POWER ECK" socket column disclosed before 12 October 2015.
- ›The holder argued the evidence was insufficient and incomplete, and that differences in proportions, front width, materials, and fastening-hole covers created a different overall impression.
- ›The Division found D1 had been disclosed by a catalog distributed in the EU in February 2014 and treated that disclosure as proven.
- ›Given broad design freedom and only minor differences, the contested design produced no different overall impression and was declared invalid.
Deciding panel
- MemberAlvaro SESMA MERINO
- MemberWolfgang SCHRAMEK
- MemberThorsten ICKENROTH
Decision files
| Language | Type | Source link |
|---|---|---|
| deGerman | original | Download original from EUIPO ↗ |
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