Judgment of the General Court (Second Chamber) of 21 January 2015 — Grundig Multimedia v OHIM (GentleCare)

(Case T‑188/14)

Community trade mark — Application for Community word mark GentleCare — Absolute grounds for refusal — Descriptive character — Article 7(1)(c) of Regulation (EC) No 207/2009 — Equal treatment

1.                     Community trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the Community trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks composed exclusively of signs or indications which may serve to designate the characteristics of goods — Word mark GentleCare (Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(c)) (see para. 22)

2.                     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 (see paras 41-43)

Re:

ACTION brought against the decision of the Fifth Board of Appeal of OHIM of 24 January 2014 (Case R 739/2013-5) confirming rejection of the application for registration of the word sign GentleCare as a Community trade mark.

Operative part

The Court:

1. Dismisses the action;

2. Orders Grundig Multimedia AG to pay the costs.