Invalidity · first instance · 2025-11-05
000125857
Contested design: 002351247-0009
Outcome
The invalidity application is upheld, the registered EU design No 002351247-0009 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 eingetragenes EU-Geschmacksmuster Nr. 002351247-0009 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
Jürgen Volkmervia PDF extraction
Germany (DE)
Wachenheim, Deutschland
Holder · RCD owner
Mercedes-Benz Group AG
Germany (DE)
Stuttgart, Deutschland
Represented by
Prior art cited (1)
vehicle wheel rim model CVR102
CVR102; audiotech.fasmoto.com/2012/04/cvr-wheels-is-coming-to-town · Instagram account 'cvrwheels'; audiotech.fasmoto.com · disclosed 2012-04-06
Legal grounds invoked
Argument summary
- ›The applicant argued the contested wheel-rim design lacked novelty and individual character because earlier disclosures of model CVR102 created the same overall impression.
- ›The holder denied effective disclosure, relied on Stuttgart court infringement rulings, and argued the wheel-design field was crowded so the cited differences preserved individual character.
- ›The Division found D1 was validly disclosed online before the filing date and the holder did not rebut that presumption under Article 7(1).
- ›It held designer freedom for vehicle rims was broad, market saturation was unproven, and the minor differences did not alter the overall impression for the informed user.
- ›The application was upheld; the contested design was declared invalid for lack of individual character and the holder was ordered to pay EUR 750 in costs.
Deciding panel
- MemberWolfgang SCHRAMEK
- MemberNatascha GALPERIN
- MemberThorsten ICKENROTH
Decision files
| Language | Type | Source link |
|---|---|---|
| deGerman | original | Download original from EUIPO ↗ |
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