Combination of descriptive words and abbreviations is devoid of distinctive character

TRADE MARK LAW

Combination of descriptive words and abbreviations is devoid of distinctive character
 

"40. The answer to the questions referred is therefore that Article 3(1)(b) and (c) of the directive must be interpreted as meaning that it is applicable to a word mark which consists of the juxtaposition of a descriptive word combination and a letter sequence which is non-descriptive in itself, if the relevant public perceives that sequence as being an abbreviation of that word combination by reason of the fact that it reproduces the first letter of each word of that combination, and that the mark in question, considered as a whole, can thus be understood as a combination of descriptive indications or abbreviations which is therefore devoid of distinctive character."

IPPT20120315, CJEU, Securvita v Öko-Invest

C-90/11 and C-91/11 - ECLI:EU:C:2012:147