Judgment of the General Court (Third Chamber) of 20 January 2015 — Aic v OHIM — ACV Manufacturing (Heat exchanger inserts)

(Case T‑617/13)

Community design — Invalidity proceedings — Registered Community design representing a heat exchanger insert — Ground for invalidity — Lack of visibility of part of a complex product — Article 4(2) and Article 25(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 6/2002

1.                     Community designs — Procedural provisions — Examination of the facts of the Office’s own motion — Action for invalidity — Examination restricted to the submissions of the parties (Council Regulation No 6/2002, Art. 63(1)) (see paras 22, 23)

2.                     Community designs — Decisions of the Office — Principle of equal treatment — Principle of sound administration — OHIM’s previous decision-making practice — Principle of legality — Need for a strict and complete examination in each particular case (Council Regulation No 6/2002) (see para. 32)

Re:

ACTION brought against the decision of the Third Board of Appeal of OHIM of 10 September 2013 (Case R 688/2012-3), relating to invalidity proceedings between ACV Manufacturing and Aic S.A.

Operative part

The Court:

1. Dismisses the action;

2. Orders Aic S.A. to pay the costs.