1. 

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

(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))

(see paragraph 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 – Assessment of the descriptive nature of a sign – Criteria

(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))

(see paragraphs 16, 17, 21, 30, 32)

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 – Word mark BLACK IRISH

(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))

(see paragraphs 26, 33, 34, 36, 49, 58)

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 – Concept of characteristic

(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 7(1)(c))

(see paragraph 43)

5. 

EU trade mark – Procedural provisions – Statement of reasons for decisions – First sentence of Article 94(1) of Regulation 2017/1001 – Scope identical to that of Article 296 TFEU – Essential procedural requirement

(Art. 296 TFEU; European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 94(1), first sentence)

(see paragraphs 62-64)

6. 

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

(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001)

(see paragraph 71)

7. 

EU trade mark – Decisions of EUIPO – 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

(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001)

(see paragraphs 73-76)

1. 

Dismisses the action;

2. 

Orders Lotion LLC to pay the costs.