Action brought on 23 December 2013 – Bundesverband Deutsche Tafel – OHIM - Tiertafel Deutschland (Tafel)
(Case T-710/13)
Language in which the application was lodged: German
Parties
Applicant: Bundesverband Deutsche Tafel eV (Berlin, Germany) (represented by: T. Koerl, E. Celenk and S. Vollmer, lawyers)
Defendant: Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (Trade Marks and Designs)
Other party to the proceedings before the Board of Appeal: Tiertafel Deutschland eV (Rathenow, Germany)
Form of order sought
The applicant claims that the General Court should:
annul the decision of the Fourth Board of Appeal of the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (Trade Marks and Designs) of 17 October 2013 in Case R 1074/2012-4;
order the defendant to pay the costs.
Pleas in law and main arguments
Registered Community trade mark in respect of which a declaration of invalidity has been sought: The word mark ‘Tafel’ for services in Classes 39 and 45 – Community trade mark No 8 985 541.
Proprietor of the Community trade mark: The applicant.
Applicant for the declaration of invalidity of the Community trade mark: Tiertafel Deutschland e.V.
Grounds for the application for a declaration of invalidity: Absolute grounds for invalidity under Article 52(1)(a) in conjunction with Article 7(1)(b) and (c) of Regulation No 207/2009 and the applicant’s bad faith under Article 52(1)(b) of Regulation No 207/2009
Decision of the Cancellation Division: Rejection of the application for a declaration of invalidity.
Decision of the Board of Appeal: Appeal upheld and mark declared invalid.
Pleas in law: Infringement of Article 7(1)(b) and (c) of Regulation No 207/2009.