1. 

EU trade mark — Appeals procedure — Action before the EU judicature — Jurisdiction of the General Court — Re-evaluation of the facts in the light of evidence produced for the first time before it — Not included

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

(see para. 15)

2. 

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 — Scope of the examination

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

(see para. 20)

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 — Meaning — Mark composed of a word or neologism resulting from a combination of elements

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

(see paras 21-23, 36)

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 — Assessment of the descriptive nature of a sign — Criteria

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

(see para. 43)

5. 

EU trade mark — Decisions of the Office — Principle of equal treatment — Principle of sound administration — EUIPO’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 paras 57, 58)

6. 

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 — Figurative mark ORIGINAL excellent dermatest 3-star-guarantee.de

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

(see paras 59, 66)

7. 

EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Overlap of the scope of the grounds set out in Articles 7(1)(b) and 7(1)(c) of Regulation No 207/2009

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

(see para. 65)

8. 

EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks devoid of any distinctive character — Exception — Distinctive character acquired through use — Probative value of the evidence

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

(see paras 71, 73, 74)

1. 

Dismisses the action;

2. 

Orders Dermatest Gesellschaft für allergologische Forschung u. Vertrieb von Köperpflegemitteln mbH to pay the costs.