Community trade mark - Application for Community word mark WIR MACHEN DAS BESONDERE EINFACH - Absolute ground for refusal - Lack of distinctive character - Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 207/2009.

Judgment of the General Court (Second Chamber) of 13 April 2011 – Smart Technologies v OHIM (WIR MACHEN DAS BESONDERE EINFACH) (Case T-523/09) Community trade mark – Application for Community word mark WIR MACHEN DAS BESONDERE EINFACH – Absolute ground for refusal – Lack of distinctive character – Article 7(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 207/2009 Community trade mark – Definition and acquisition of the Community trade mark – Absolute grounds for refusal – Marks devoid of distinctive character (Council Regulation No 207/2009, Art. 7(1)(b)) (see paras 33-37, 40) Re: ACTION brought against the decision of the Second Board of Appeal of OHIM of 29 September 2009 (Case R 554/2009-2), concerning an application for the word sign WIR MACHEN DAS BESONDERE EINFACH as a Community trade mark. Information relating to the case Applicant for the Community trade mark: Smart Technologies ULC Community trade mark sought: Word mark WIR MACHEN DAS BESONDERE EINFACH for goods in Class 9 – Application No 7355902 Decision of the examiner: Registration refused Decision of the Board of Appeal: Appeal dismissed Operative part The Court: 1. Dismisses the action; 2. Orders Smart Technologies ULC to pay the costs.