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.