Judgment of the General Court (Second Chamber) of 13 April 2011 – Smart Technologies v OHIM (WIR MACHEN DAS BESONDERE EINFACH)

(Case T-523/09)

Community trade mark – Application for Community word mark WIR MACHEN DAS BESONDERE EINFACH – Absolute ground for refusal – Lack of distinctive character – Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 207/2009

Community trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the Community trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character (Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b)) (see paras 33-37, 40)

Re:

ACTION brought against the decision of the Second Board of Appeal of OHIM of 29 September 2009 (Case R 554/2009-2), concerning an application for the word sign WIR MACHEN DAS BESONDERE EINFACH as a Community trade mark.

Information relating to the case

Applicant for the Community trade mark:	Smart Technologies ULC
Community trade mark sought:	Word mark WIR MACHEN DAS BESONDERE EINFACH for goods in Class 9 – Application No 7355902
Decision of the examiner:	Registration refused
Decision of the Board of Appeal:	Appeal dismissed

Operative part

The Court:

1. Dismisses the action;

2. Orders Smart Technologies ULC to pay the costs.