Judgment of the General Court (Fifth Chamber) of 25 September 2015 —
Bopp v OHIM (Representation of a green octagonal frame)

(Case T‑209/14)

Community trade mark — Application for figurative Community mark representing a green octagonal frame — Absolute ground for refusal — Distinctive character — Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 207/2009

1.                     Community trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the Community trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks devoid of any distinctive character — Assessment of distinctive character — Criteria (Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b)) (see paras 40-45, 51, 52)

2.                     Community trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the Community trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks devoid of any distinctive character — Figurative mark representing a green octagonal frame (Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b)) (see paras 47, 48, 59, 60)

3.                     Community trade mark — Decisions of the Office — Principle of equal treatment — Principle of sound administration — OHIM’s previous decision-making practice (see paras 61-65)

Re:

ACTION brought against the decision of the First Board of Appeal of OHIM of 9 January 2014 (Case R 1276/2013-1) concerning an application for registration of a figurative sign representing a green octagonal frame as a Community trade mark.

Operative part

The Court:

1. Dismisses the action;

2. Orders Mr Carsten Bopp to pay the costs.