Understanding Genuine Use in EU Trademark Law: Insights from Judgment T-118/24

Introduction

Vila Tobella v EUIPO – Raphael Europe (ROZALIYA jewelry for enlightenment)

The European Union General Court (GC) rendered a significant decision in Judgment T-118/24 on March 5, 2025. This case is particularly noteworthy within the realm of European Union Trade Marks (EUTMs), especially concerning class 14, which encompasses jewellery. The case highlights crucial considerations regarding the concept of 'genuine use' and how the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) must substantiate its decisions during revocation proceedings.

Defining Genuine Use

At the heart of this ruling is the interpretation of what constitutes 'genuine use.' The court defined ‘genuine use’ as use that is actual, effective, and in line with prevailing market practices. Importantly, it emphasized that any use should not simply be tokenistic or only intended to maintain registration. Therefore, for a trademark to retain its validity, it must demonstrate intent to use the mark as a commercial source identifier in the market. Other souces

Evidence Considerations and EUIPO Justification

The judgment further explored the nature of evidence required to prove genuine use. The GC indicated that even low sales volumes might suffice, provided they reflect genuine market engagement rather than an attempt to circumvent the requirements for use. The ruling imposed an obligation on the EUIPO to provide clear and precise explanations for its decisions, reinforcing the need for meticulous justification concerning claims related to genuine use.

In conclusion, the GC's Judgment T-118/24 provides valuable insights into the essence of genuine use within EU trademark law. It establishes a framework for future cases, guiding parties on the expectations for demonstrating genuine trademark use while underlining the EUIPO's responsibility to anchor its decisions in transparent rationale. This ruling will undoubtedly influence how courts and trademark holders approach issues of trademark validity and market presence in the EU.

References

1. General Court, Case T-118/24, Vila Tobella v EUIPO – Raphael Europe (ROZALIYA jewelry for enlightenment), Judgment of 5 March 2025. EUR-Lex.

2. CURIA, Case T-118/24 – Vila Tobella / EUIPO – Raphael Europe. Full Case Listing.

3. EUIPO. Guidelines: Genuine Use – Principles of the Court of Justice. EUIPO Guidelines.

4. EUIPO. Recent Case-Law Summaries. EUIPO Case-Law Page.

5. Dreyfus Legal Blog. Evidence of use and decision justification by the EUIPO: Key takeaways from General Court judgment T-118/24. Dreyfus.fr.

6. Lexology. Hotel Cipriani S.p.A. v EUIPO (Case T-358/21) – Insights on evidence & genuine use. Lexology.

7. EUIPO Blog. Genuine use: Can undated photos of clothing tags have probative value? (Case T-50/23). EUIPO Blog.

8. Harte-Bavendamm Blog. New GC decision ruling on proof of use request: WOXTER (Case T-792/22). harte-bavendamm.de.

9. Lexology. Overview of genuine use assessment in the European Union. Lexology.

10. D Young & Co. Genuine use: Are sales to end consumers necessary? D Young & Co.