1. 

Actions for annulment — Judgment annulling a measure — Effects — Obligation to implement — Scope — Both the operative part and the grounds of the judgment to be taken into account — Retroactive effect of annulment

(Art. 266 TFEU)

(see paras 18, 19)

2. 

EU trade mark — Appeals procedure — Action before the EU judicature — Implementation of a judgment annulling a decision adopted by a Board of Appeal — New examination of the appeal

(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 65(6))

(see paras 20-22)

3. 

EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks composed exclusively of signs or indications capable of designating the characteristics of a product or service — Aim — Need to preserve availability

(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(c))

(see para. 32)

4. 

EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks composed exclusively of signs or indications capable of designating the characteristics of a product or service — Criteria

(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(c))

(see paras 33-37)

5. 

EU trade mark — Surrender, revocation and invalidity — Absolute grounds for invalidity — Registration contrary to Article 7(1)(c) of Regulation No 207/2009 — Word mark Tafel

(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(c))

(see paras 39-44)

6. 

EU trade mark — Appeals procedure — Action before the EU judicature — Jurisdiction of the General Court — Review of the lawfulness of decisions of the Boards of Appeal — Re-examination of the facts in the light of evidence not previously submitted before EUIPO bodies — Precluded

(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 65)

(see para. 46)

7. 

EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks devoid of any distinctive character — Exception — Acquisition through use — Examination by the Office — Limitation to the facts and evidence raised by the trade mark applicant

(Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(3))

(see para. 49)

8. 

EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Assessment of the registrability of a sign — EU rules only taken into account — Earlier registration of the mark in certain Member States or third countries — Decisions not binding EU bodies

(Council Regulation No 207/2009)

(see para. 51)

1. 

Dismisses the action;

2. 

Orders Bundesverband Deutsche Tafel eV to pay the costs.