Judgment of the General Court (Eighth Chamber) of 17 November 2016 –
Vince v EUIPO (ELECTRIC HIGHWAY)

(Case T‑315/15)

(EU trade mark — Application for the EU word mark ELECTRIC HIGHWAY — Absolute grounds for refusal — Descriptive character — Lack of distinctive character — Article 7(1)(b) and (c) of Regulation (EC) No 207/2009)

1.      EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks composed exclusively of signs or indications capable of designating the characteristics of a product or service — Concept

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

(see paras 19, 21)

2.      EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks composed exclusively of signs or indications capable of designating the characteristics of a product or service — Assessment of the descriptive nature of a sign — Criteria

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

(see para. 20)

3.      EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks composed exclusively of signs or indications capable of designating the characteristics of a product or service — Word mark ELECTRIC HIGHWAY

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

(see paras 22-27)

Re:

ACTION brought against the decision of the Fifth Board of Appeal of EUIPO of 3 March 2015 (Case R 1442/2014-5), concerning an application for registration of the word sign ELECTRIC HIGHWAY as an EU trade mark.

Operative part

The Court:

1. Dismisses the action;

2. Orders Mr Dale Vince to pay the costs.