Judgment of the Court of First Instance (Second Chamber) of 12 September 2007 – Philip Morris Products v OHIM (Shape of a packet of cigarettes)

(Case T-140/06)

Community trade mark – Application for a three-dimensional Community trade mark – Shape of a packet of cigarettes – Refusal of registration – Absolute grounds for refusal – Lack of distinctive character – Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 40/94

Community trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the Community trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of any distinctive character (Council Regulation No 40/94, Art. 7(1)(b)) (see paras 26-27)

Re:

ACTION brought against the decision of the Fourth Board of Appeal of the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (OHIM), of 24 February 2006, (Case R 0075/2005-4) concerning registration of the shape of a packet of cigarettes as a Community trade mark.

Information relating to the case

Applicant for the Community trade mark:	Philip Morris Products SA
Community trade mark sought:	Three-dimensional mark representing a packet of cigarettes for goods in Class 34 – Application No 2681351
Decision of the Examiner:	Registration refused
Decision of the Board of Appeal:	Appeal dismissed

Operative part

The Court:

1. Dismisses the appeal;

2. Orders Philip Morris Products SA to pay the costs.