Judgment of the General Court (Eighth Chamber) of 24 November 2016 —
Azur Space Solar Power v EUIPO (Representation of white lines and bricks on a black background)

(Case T‑578/15)

(EU trade mark — International registration designating the European Union — Figurative mark representing white lines and bricks on a black background — Absolute ground for refusal — No distinctive character — Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 207/2009)

1.      EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU 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 11, 12)

2.      EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks devoid of any distinctive character — Figurative mark consisting of the two-dimensional representation of a product — Distinctive character — Criteria for assessment

(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b))

(see paras 13-18)

3.      EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks devoid of any distinctive character — Figurative mark representing white lines and bricks on a black background

(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b))

(see paras 20, 30, 41, 42)

4.      EU trade mark — Procedural provisions — Examination of the facts of the Office’s own motion — Registration of a new trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Burden of proof

(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Arts 7(1), and 76(1))

(see paras 34, 35)

Re:

ACTION brought against the decision of the Fourth Board of Appeal of EUIPO of 27 July 2015 (Case R 2780/2014-4), concerning the international registration designating the European Union of a figurative mark representing white lines and bricks on a black background.

Operative part

The Court:

1. Dismisses the action;

2. Orders Azur Space Solar Power GmbH to pay the costs.