Invalidity · first instance · 2026-05-19
000128578
Contested design: 003151570-0003
Outcome
The invalidity application is upheld, the contested EU design 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. 003151570-0003 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
Wasombouw B.V.via PDF extraction
Netherlands (NL)
Kaatsheuvel, Niederlande
Represented by
Holder · RCD owner
Washtower IP B.V.
Netherlands (NL)
Hengelo, Niederlande
Prior art cited (1)
cabinet module for a washing machine/tumble dryer shown on the website under "Waschküchen"
http://www.jbstahldesign.de · Wayback Machine archive of jbstahldesign.de · disclosed 2016-03-05
Legal grounds invoked
Argument summary
- ›The applicant sought invalidity for lack of novelty and individual character over earlier disclosure D1 and also argued that the design features were technically dictated.
- ›The holder argued the application was abusive and insufficiently substantiated, denied valid disclosure of D1, and maintained that the contested design produced a different overall impression.
- ›The Division found the Wayback Machine evidence sufficient to show D1 was publicly disclosed by 2016-03-05 and that the applicant had identified the relevant earlier design clearly enough.
- ›Comparing the relevant module features, the Division found no different overall impression for the informed user; it upheld the application, invalidated the design, and awarded costs against the holder.
Deciding panel
- MemberIvan PRANDZHEV
- MemberNatascha GALPERIN
- MemberIvo TSENKOV
Decision files
| Language | Type | Source link |
|---|---|---|
| enEnglish (en) | machine translated | Download original from EUIPO ↗ |
| deGerman | original | Download original from EUIPO ↗ |
Locarno classes
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