Judgment of the General Court (Eighth Chamber) of 16 January 2014 —
Optilingua v OHIM — Esposito (ALPHATRAD)

(Case T‑538/12)

Community trade mark — Revocation proceedings — Community figurative mark — Genuine use of the mark — Extent of the use — Second subparagraph of Article 15(1)(a) and Article 51(1)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 207/2009

1.                     Community trade mark — Appeals procedure — Action before the EU judicature — Jurisdiction of the General Court — Review of the lawfulness of decisions of the Boards of Appeal — Re-examination of the facts in the light of evidence not previously submitted before OHIM bodies — Exclusion (Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 65) (see para. 19)

2.                     Community trade mark — Observations of third parties and opposition — Examination of the opposition — Proof of use of the earlier mark — Genuine use — Concept — Criteria for assessment (Council Regulation No 207/2009, Arts 15(1), second para., (a), and 51(1)(a); Commission Regulation No 2868/95, Rules 22(3), and 40(5)) (see paras 27-29, 32, 37)

Re:

ACTION brought against the decision of the First Board of Appeal of OHIM of 8 October 2012 (Case R 444/2011-1) relating to revocation proceedings between Mr Michele Esposito and Optilingua Holding SA.

Operative part

The Court:

1. Dismisses the action;

2. Orders Optilingua Holding SA to pay the costs.