Judgment of the General Court (Fourth Chamber) of 17 May 2017 —
adp Gauselmann v EUIPO (MULTI FRUITS)

(Case T‑355/16)

(EU trade mark — Application for EU word mark MULTI FRUITS — Absolute grounds for refusal — Descriptive character — Article 7(1)(b) and (c) of Regulation (EC) No 207/2009)

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—Criteria

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

(see paras 19, 24, 35)

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—Concept—Neologism consisting of elements descriptive of characteristics of the goods or services concerned

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

(see paras 20-23)

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 MULTI FRUITS

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

(see paras 25-28, 33, 36-39)

4. 

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

(see para. 40)

Re:

ACTION brought against the decision of the Fifth Board of Appeal of EUIPO of 29 April 2016 (Case R 1043/2015-5) concerning an application for registration of the word sign MULTI FRUITS as an EU trade mark.

Operative part

The Court:

1. 

Dismisses the action;

2. 

Orders adp Gauselmann GmbH to pay the costs.