Judgment of the General Court (Eighth Chamber) of 26 March 2015 —
Bateaux mouches v OHIM (BATEAUX MOUCHES)

(Case T‑72/14)

Community trade mark — International registration designating the European Community — Word mark BATEAUX MOUCHES — Absolute ground for refusal — No distinctive character — Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 207/2009 — No distinctive character acquired through use — Article 7(3) of Regulation No 207/2009

1.                     Community trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the Community trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks devoid of any distinctive character — Assessment of distinctive character — Criteria (Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b)) (see paras 20-23)

2.                     Community trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the Community trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks devoid of any distinctive character — Word mark BATEAUX MOUCHES (Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b)) (see paras 34, 37, 38, 48)

3.                     Community trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the Community trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks devoid of any distinctive character — Exception — Distinctive character acquired through use — Criteria for assessment (Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(3)) (see paras 64-68)

4.                     Community trade mark — 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 207/2009) (see para. 80)

Re:

ACTION brought against the decision of the Second Board of Appeal of OHIM of 15 November 2013 (Case R 284/2013‑2) concerning the registration of the word mark BATEAUX MOUCHES as an international registration designating the European Community.

Operative part

The Court:

1. Dismisses the action;

2. Orders Compagnie des bateaux mouches SA to pay the costs.