Community trade mark - Application for Community word mark Deutsche BKK - Absolute ground for refusal - Descriptive character and no distinctive character - No distinctive character acquired through use - Article 7(1)(b) and (c) of Regulation (EC) No 40/94 (now Article 7(1)(b) and (c) of Regulation (EC) No 207/2009) - Article 73 and Article 74(1), first sentence, of Regulation No 40/94 (now Article 75 and Article 76(1), first sentence, of Regulation No 207/2009).

Judgment of the General Court (Fifth Chamber) of 11 February 2010 – Deutsche BKK v OHIM (Deutsche BKK) (Case T-289/08) Community trade mark – Application for Community word mark Deutsche BKK – Absolute ground for refusal – Descriptive character and no distinctive character – No distinctive character acquired through use – Article 7(1)(b) and (c) and (3) of Regulation (EC) No 40/94 (now Article 7(1)(b) and (c) and (3) of Regulation (EC) No 207/2009) – Article 73 and Article 74(1), first sentence, of Regulation No 40/94 (now Article 75 and Article 76(1), first sentence, of Regulation No 207/2009) Community trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the Community trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks composed exclusively of signs or indications which may serve to designate the characteristics of goods – Marks devoid of distinctive character – Exception – Distinctive character acquired through use (Council Regulation No 40/94, Art. 7(1)(b), (c) and (3) (see paras 40, 47-49, 95) Re: ACTION brought against the decision of the Fourth Board of Appeal of OHIM of 29 May 2008 (Case R 318/2008‑4) concerning an application for registration of the word mark ‘Deutsche BKK’ as a Community trade mark. Information relating to the case Applicant for the Community trade mark: Deutsche BKK Community trade mark sought: Word mark Deutsche BKK for services in Classes 36, 41 and 44 – Application No 4724894 Decision of the Examiner: Registration refused Decision of the Board of Appeal: Appeal dismissed Operative part The Court: 1. Dismisses the action; 2. Orders Deutsche Betriebskrankenkasse (Deutsche BKK) to pay the costs.