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 – Precluded

(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001, Art. 72)

(see paragraph 10)

2. 

EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Concept – Criteria for assessment

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

(see paragraphs 17, 23, 36, 53)

3. 

EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Signs of which a trade mark may consist – Colours or combinations of colours – Condition – Distinctive character – Account to be taken of the public interest in not unduly restricting the availability of colours

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

(see paragraphs 18-22)

4. 

EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Marks constituted by a colour or combination of colours

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

(see paragraph 26)

5. 

EU trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Mark consisting in the application of the colours red and white to cuboid packaging

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

(see paragraphs 27-34)

6. 

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 stringent and full examination in each individual case

(European Parliament and Council Regulation 2017/1001)

(see paragraphs 42, 43)

7. 

EU trade mark – Procedural provisions – Examination of the facts of EUIPO’s own motion – Registration of a new trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Burden of proof

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

(see paragraphs 48, 49, 51)

1. 

Dismisses the action;

2. 

Orders Groz-Beckert KG to pay the costs.