Judgment of the General Court (Seventh Chamber) of 11 July 2013 —
Think Schuhwerk v OHIM (Red shoelace end caps)

(Case T‑208/12)

Community trade mark — Application for a Community trade mark — Red shoelace end caps — Absolute ground for refusal — Lack of distinctive character — Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 207/2009 — Procedure by default

1.                     Community trade mark — Procedural provisions — Examination of the facts of the Office’s own motion — Scope — No obligation to prove matters within common knowledge (Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 76(1)) (see para. 24)

2.                     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 — Sign being confused with the appearance of the designated product (Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b)) (see paras 32-34, 47)

3.                     Community trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the Community trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks devoid of any distinctive character — Red shoelace end caps (Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b)) (see paras 35-40)

4.                     Community trade mark — Decisions of the Office — Principle of equal treatment — Principle of sound administration — OHIM’s previous decision-making practice (see paras 55, 56)

Re:

ACTION brought against the decision of the First Board of Appeal of OHIM of 23 February 2012 (Case R 1552/2011‑1), concerning an application for registration as a Community trade mark of a sign consisting of red shoelace end caps.

Operative part

The Court:

1. Dismisses the action;

2. Orders Think Schuhwerk GmbH to bear its own costs.