Judgment of the General Court (Eighth Chamber) of 31 January 2019 –
Geske v EUIPO (SATISFYERMEN)

(Case T‑427/18)

(EU trade mark — Application for the EU figurative mark SATISFYERMEN — Absolute grounds for refusal — Descriptive character — Article 7(1)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 — No distinctive character — Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 — Duty to state reasons — First sentence of Article 94 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001)

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 para. 17)

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

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

(see paras 19-23, 39)

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 — Criteria

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

(see para. 24)

4. 

EU trade mark — Definition and acquisition of the EU trade mark — Absolute grounds for refusal — Marks composed exclusively of signs or indications which may serve to designate the characteristics of goods — Marque Figurative mark SATISFYERMEN

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

(see paras 26, 35, 37, 38)

5. 

Action for annulment — Pleas in law — Lack of or inadequate statement of reasons — Separate ground from the one concerning substantive legality

(Art. 263 TFEU)

(see para. 49)

Re:

Action brought against the decision of the First Board of Appeal of EUIPO of 10 May 2018 (Case R 2603/2017-1), relating to the application for registration of the figurative mark SATISFYERMEN as an EU trade mark.

Operative part

The Court:

1. 

Dismisses the action;

2. 

Orders Mr André Geske to pay the costs.